Wine & Spirits: "The contrast of depth and brightness, or intensity and weightlessness creates a sense of harmonic resonance in this wine. All the aromatics are potent, from the scent of rising bread dough to the red skin of an apple, all the corresponding flavors rich yet refreshing. The firmness of the acidity seems to add briskness to the mousse, leaving a clean, chiseled impression of the chalk soils in which this grew. Once in a while, there is a young beauty who will age into a more profound older beauty; La Grande Dame is part of that rare breed."  December, 2006.

Connoisseurs' Guide: "Seemingly a bit livelier than the typical Grande Dame, but still a rich wine based on its Pinot Noir heritage, it combines an admirably strong mousse with plenty of acidity and a dried toffee, nutty overlay of burgeoning complexity. Lovely. December, 2008

Stephen Tanzer: Rated as Outstanding....."Light gold. Rich, smoky aromas of buttery pear, peach and smoked meat, complemented by exotic spice accents and a hint of white flowers; seems livelier on the nose than the deep, rich 1996 version. Weighty citrus and orchard fruit flavors are framed by juicy acids. With air a note of poached pear emerged, along with a suggestion of toffeed hazelnut." December, 2006

Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style...."There's plenty of finesse in this sleek Champagne, along with an airy texture and loads of grip. Graphite, lemon, toast and mineral aromas and flavors prevail."  December, 2008.

Wine Enthusiast:  Rated as Excellent, extremely well made and highly recommended...."A superbly ripe Champagne that has all the open generosity of the 1998 vintage. Peach and apricot aromas are followed by flavors of hazelnuts, honey and spices. Like all vintages of La Grande Dame, it will age for many years."  November, 2006

Wired For Wine:  "Champagne is incredibly versatile with food - so when in doubt, drink bubbly!" says the wine director of Chicago's Osteria vi Stato.  We couldn't agree more.  This Veuve Clicquot masterpiece will dress up everything, whether lobster, eggs,  oysters, smoked salmon or fried foods.  Given the season, La Grande Dame is the perfect partner for most hor d'oeuvres you'll be whipping up.  Just avoid the sweet ones and red meat, and you can't go wrong.  How about bacon-wrapped scallops or tiny Gruy�re cr�pes?  For dinner we suggest a warm lobster timbale with a chive cream sauce.  Not feeling so fancy?  No problem.  A platter of beautifully seasoned fried chicken or shrimp will not disappoint.  Pop the cork and let your hearts be light...

Drink now through 2028.

Size:  750 ml
Vintage:  1998
Varietal: 64% Pinot Noir (Ay, Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy) and 36% Chardonnay
Alcohol:  12.5%
Region:  Champagne, France