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)"

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)"