Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne Reserve Cuvée (Yellow Label) NV

94 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Decanter): "Lemony richness on the nose, a struck match character that falls in with lemon vanilla note. Toffee apple allure on the palate with chalky coolness & savoury nutty finish. (Dec 2020)"

93 points Bettanne & Desseauve Guide: "This emblematic cuvée is back in the foreground, we feel that the work on the great pinots of the house and the reserve wines is bearing fruit. Even more energy and intensity than usual, it's superb. (2026)"

92 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2013 base; reserves from 2012, 11, 10, 08, 07, 06 and 02; 28% chardonnay, 52% pinot noir, 20% meunier; 50-60 crus; aged 2.5 years on lees; 9-10g/L dosage). It takes Demarville and his team four months of daily tastings to make Yellow Label, tasting some 1100 different base wines and reserves, and selecting 400–500 to make up the final blend. Their expertise is reflected in a gentle trajectory of refinement over recent years, and it’s as confident as ever today. This is a release that flies the flag of the Veuve Clicquot style in presenting the bright freshness of pinot noir amidst the depth of deep reserves. In step with Demarville’s aspiration, the 2014 base is as lively as I’ve seen it, leading out with tangy strawberry hull and morello cherries, energised by a focused line of vibrant lemon acidity, closing with the aged complexity of gingernut biscuits, bread and roast almonds. Its full dosage is well subsumed by its bright acid line, holding medium length on the finish. Not only a triumph for its sheer magnitude of production, this is a compellingly crafted cuvée and a fine drink. The 2013 base is even more confident in its pretty, bright red cherries and red plums, well supported by brioche complexity. (2020-2021)"

92 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Meunier.) Soft and overt nose with fragrant floral and complexing pastry tones on the nose. Peachy fruit profile with red fruit presence of Pinot Noir dominance and well as a spicy nuance from generous amounts of reserve wines. Mouthfilling and round, there is a comforting easiness to the palate but there is complexity too. The ending is slightly on the sweet side but adding on to the wine’s immediate charms. (Aug 2024)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "This harmonious Champagne is appealing for its refreshing, aperitif style, yet there’s greater focus than is typical for an aperitif to the notes of patisserie apple and pear, lemon parfait, chopped almond and oyster shell. Its vibrant acidity and lacy texture carry the profile on the mineral-driven finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now. (11/30/25)"

91 points Claire Nesbitt (JamesSuckling.com): "This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It’s honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority pinot noir, with chardonnay and meunier. Around 40% reserve wines. 10g/l dosage. Drink now. (1/11/23)"