Item No. FR3-1157E04B
With the exceptionally fine weather conditions in September, the grapes ripened beautifully. Harvesting, which took place from 23 September to 13 October, resulted in some fine, perfectly healthy grapes. The Pinot Noir wines are fruity and full-bodied; the Chardonnay wines have a lot of distinction.
La Grande Dame 2004 is an exclusive blend of our 8 traditional grand crus: Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzy, Verzenay for the Pinot Noir (61%) and Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for the Chardonnay (39%).
Appearance: The colour is luminous, sparkling gold with amber highlights. There is plenty of effervescence. The fine, light bead swirls up slowly and gracefully.
Aroma: The first nose reveals a definite mineral base, with noble fruit (white peaches, bergamot) and remarkable intensity. On agitating, the bouquet becomes gourmand and voluptuous with hints of brioche, nougat, apricot, vanilla, frangipane and jasmine.
Palate: There is plenty of body and substance. The texture is crisp and silky. The chalky mineral note resonates magnificently with this full-bodied structure and intensifies the lengthy persistence.
Robert Parker 91: "As with the corresponding (and varietally identical) rose, Clicquot’s 2004 Brut La Grande Dame is vivacious and buoyant, with lemon and grapefruit set in entertaining counterpoint to almond paste and vanilla-tinged, tart-edged baked apple. Saline oyster liquor adds another, savory dimension in a lingering finish, while hints of chamomile and jasmine serve for aromatic allure. This delightful bottling might well achieve genuine profundity over the next two or three years."
Wine Spectator 94: "A fine and lacy mousse is draped over a firm frame of well-integrated acidity, belying the complexity of this elegant Champagne. A delicately woven tapestry of black currant, piecrust, chalk, spring blossom and lemon zest flavors ends with a lasting note of smoke-tinged minerality. Drink now through 2029."