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NOTES
This exceptional wine is 64% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus at Ay, in the Vallée de la Marne, and at Verzenay and Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims. The Cuvée includes a smaller component of 36% Chardonnay from three Grands Crus from the Côte des Blancs, Avize, Ogerand and Le Mesnil-sur-Ogerin. A wine which heightens the sensory perceptions, the 1998 vintage of La Grande Dame, is the quintessence of the Veuve Clicquot style, drawing it's magnificence from the dominant component of Pinot Noir
An extremely cold winter, with snow on the Montagne de Reims, gave way to an unexpectedly warm spell and moderate rains. Spots of frost appeared in vulnerable areas. Spring came early and wet, May was particularly hot and dry. Rain at the end of June did not affect flowering, which took place under excellent, nearly heatwave conditions. Rain and hot weather alternated near the beginning of summer, encouraging the vines to grow rapidly. August was dry and sunny, perfect for ripening the fruit. After a grey and cloudy two weeks near the start of September, the weather turned good, providing the ideal dry climate to harvest good grapes in superb condition. A luxuriant Cuvée of refinement and masculinity.
TASTING NOTES
A pale gold colour with jade glints. The wine is crystal clear, with fine bubbles. Good varietal Chardonnay aromas, floral like acacia and ferns, minerality and chalk. Agitating the wine brings further scents of candied citrus fruits, apricots and quince. sweeter almond notes which reappear later on the palate. Characters of peat and malt, delicate herbs, the aromaticnesss flows onto the palate, the wine is clear-cut and pure, perfectly balanced with a delightful silky smoothness. La Grande Dame 1998, with it's lace-like construction, has a long, lively, and structured finish. La Grande Dame is the quintessence of the Veuve Clicquot style, the peak of refinement, a wine of impressive strength and purity.
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