One of the oldest houses in Champagne, Veuve Clicquot dates all the way back to 1772. Located in Reims, the house matriarch, Madame Clicquot, is known for crafting the first vintage champagne in 1810 as well as creating the riddling process to clarify champagne years later. She also created the first Rose champagne — and we are all so glad that she did.
Veuve Cliquot created their top wine, the ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne in Madame Cliquot’s honor. Today, ‘La Grand Dame’ is one of the most famous of the tete de cuvees. I fondly recall epic vintages of this wine dating back to the 1990 which lives long in my memory. Only made in great vintages, the ‘La Grand Dame’ was last made in 2006 and in 2008. The new edition from 2012 might be better than those editions. It is a masterclass that really needs a bit of time in the decanter to fully be aroused, but you will see that its complexity, density and underlying verve make this a highly age-worthy effort that will live on for at least another fifteen years to come. Learn more at https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-au/our-champagne/la-grande-dame-2012 and here is my review of the fabulous 2012 ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne.
2012 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne- Given 6G/L dosage, the sensational 2012 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne is nearly all Pinot Noir (90%) with the remainder Chardonnay. This iconic wine is showing a bit better than the last edition of this wine (2008). Benefiting from a 20 minute decant, the 2012 ‘La Grand Dame’ displays a dizzying array of ripe orchard fruits, lemon oil, cardamom dusted brioche and shades of fresh ginger on the palate. A stunning wine now, brimming with serious poise and weight, this should live on for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 96