Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

La Grande Dame Brut Champagne Blend

9.3356 ratings
9.293 pro ratings
Champagne, France
Champagne Blend
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Popped and poured to celebrate a pretty cool personal and professional achievement; enjoyed over a two hour period. This particular bottle has been stored in my cellar since release. The 2004 “La Grande Dame” pours a brilliant yellow color with medium+ viscosity and a persistent mousse of fine bubbles. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of golden raspberry, Meyer lemon, some apple, some brioche and nuts; just a touch oxidative. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. However, I feel compelled to share that this gave me the overall impression of a sort of liquid lemon-raspberry custard croissant with shaved almonds on top. It was awesome. The finish was long and there is some palpable density in this wine. So much so that I think these easily have another 10-15 years in them. That being said, this was yummy and I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy now.

Popped and poured to celebrate a pretty cool personal and professional achievement; enjoyed over a two hour period. This particular bottle has been stored in my cellar since release. The 2004 “La Grande Dame” pours a brilliant yellow color with medium+ viscosity and a persistent mousse of fine bubbles. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of golden raspberry, Meyer lemon, some apple, some brioche and nuts; just a touch oxidative. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. However, I feel compelled to share that this gave me the overall impression of a sort of liquid lemon-raspberry custard croissant with shaved almonds on top. It was awesome. The finish was long and there is some palpable density in this wine. So much so that I think these easily have another 10-15 years in them. That being said, this was yummy and I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy now.

Apr 10th, 2024
Bob McDonald

Have had odd glasses of La Grande Dame but this is the first time I have shared a bottle with the better half and we were both mightily impressed. A veritable effervescent cloud of ultra fine bubbles. Yeasty aromas of Vegemite and fresh bread - some green Apple notes (aldehydes?). Lemony and grapefruit flavours on the palate with a silky texture. Very fresh at 16 years of age with intensity. Fine and subtle yet full bodied and intense - quite beguiling. The epitome of fine champagne. Will definitely buy the 2008 La Grande Dame.

Have had odd glasses of La Grande Dame but this is the first time I have shared a bottle with the better half and we were both mightily impressed. A veritable effervescent cloud of ultra fine bubbles. Yeasty aromas of Vegemite and fresh bread - some green Apple notes (aldehydes?). Lemony and grapefruit flavours on the palate with a silky texture. Very fresh at 16 years of age with intensity. Fine and subtle yet full bodied and intense - quite beguiling. The epitome of fine champagne. Will definitely buy the 2008 La Grande Dame.

Mar 26th, 2020
Eric Gardner

Like it a lot with Scallop Carpaccio from Republique. The food ties it together. Think it would be better with age. Wouldn't drink w/out food

Like it a lot with Scallop Carpaccio from Republique. The food ties it together. Think it would be better with age. Wouldn't drink w/out food

3 people found it helpfulJan 16th, 2015
Jennifer DiDomizio

Just don't get the charm. Very fine mousse but not my bag. Not that I'm complaining ha ha.

Just don't get the charm. Very fine mousse but not my bag. Not that I'm complaining ha ha.

2 people found it helpfulFeb 26th, 2015
Yianni Stone

Really need to let this one open up

Really need to let this one open up

Jan 2nd, 2017
Beau Carufel

Winemaker/Owner Random Wine Company

9.1

Wound a bit tighter than I expected. Very good though. Bigger bubbles too.

Wound a bit tighter than I expected. Very good though. Bigger bubbles too.

Jan 2nd, 2016
Sean Genn

Honey, spiced pear and bright grapefruit zest. Just delicious. A great way to celebrate buying my first home!

Honey, spiced pear and bright grapefruit zest. Just delicious. A great way to celebrate buying my first home!

Nov 15th, 2015
Suzanne Groth

Toasty yeast. Grand wine for a grand birthday. HB Judy

Toasty yeast. Grand wine for a grand birthday. HB Judy

Oct 13th, 2015
Eric Egan

Too dry for my taste (would have preferred a higher dosage - this is a little too bland). Nice brioche nose but very low on fruit - hints of dry iron and graphite. Some very low key lychee flavours beginning to emerge. Good, but... Less Marilyn Monroe, more Charles Manson.

Too dry for my taste (would have preferred a higher dosage - this is a little too bland). Nice brioche nose but very low on fruit - hints of dry iron and graphite. Some very low key lychee flavours beginning to emerge. Good, but... Less Marilyn Monroe, more Charles Manson.

Sep 26th, 2015
R. Addison Wehrfritz

Grapefruit citrus and tart perfection!

Grapefruit citrus and tart perfection!

Sep 1st, 2015