Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne La Grande Dame 2018

97 points Natalie Earl (Decanter): "90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay. The long sunny days and warmth of the 2018 vintage has provided glowing stone and citrus fruit to this glorious Grande Dame. While the initial attack plays on various riffs of lemon oil, verbena, orange rind and grapefruit, it's the deeply mineral and tightly wound core that surprises most with this wine, and this is what will ensure its long-term ageing potential. Delectable candied orange rind builds to a crescendo of yuzu and coconut cream. A luminous and energetic iteration of La Grande Dame. Drinking Window: 2025-2045. (4/2/25)"

96 points Richard Juhlin (The Champagne Club): "(90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay). What a wonderfully orchestrated wine! Young and a bit unredeemed for sure, but such a beautiful structure where the construction is impressive without being hard. Around the solid foundation there is a generous roundness and warmth that charms right from the start. Despite the high Pinot content from Verzy, there is a delicious caramel note, a butteriness and a layer of saffron buns with apple marmalade and mango essence. Extremely exciting to follow and I must admit that there are similarities with how the most beautiful of all great ladies, 1979 La Grande Dame, started its journey towards legendary status. (May 2025)"

96 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2026).

94-96 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay). Albeit being youthful and a little tight, this vintage of La Grande Dame shows lovely potential and real finesse, with sweet appley fruit gently lifted by a subtle flick of vanilla. The juicy palate is fresh and engaging, though with a touch of singularity that adds character. Firmly built and refreshing, this wine had body and soul. (Jun 2025)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "This finely detailed Champagne teases the palate with pinprick-sized bubbles and lightly mouthwatering acidity, a harmonious frame for flavors of patisserie pear and cherry fruit, pickled ginger, almond biscotti and spun honey. This is subtle at first but expands beautifully on the palate, and the long, minerally finish echoes smoke and oyster shell notes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now through 2040. (9/10/25)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 La Grande Dame is a very pretty wine that shows the contemporary style that is prevalent here these days. Floral overtones lift a core of citrus fruit, while marzipan, anise, mint, dried pear and spice open with a bit of coaxing. The 2018 is a delicate Grand Dame, as most Champagnes are in a vintage in which yields were exceptionally high. I especially admire the finesse here. Disgorged: September 2024. Drink: 2026-2048. (Apr 2025)"

94 points Jim Gordon (JamesSuckling.com): "So smooth, silky and lush yet fresh, balanced and lively, too. Lots of baked apples, lemon zest and creme brulee on the palate. Long, linear and expansive in the finish. Drink now or hold. (6/10/25)"