2004 Veuve Clicquot la Grande Dame Rose

Exceptional weather conditions in September brought all the grapes to optimum ripeness. Between 23 September and 13 October, we harvested beautiful grapes in a perfect state of health. The Pinot Noir wines are fruity and full-bodied and the Chardonnay wines had great distinction. 85% white still wine (52% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay), addition of 15% Bouzy Rouge. Dosage 8 g/l, disgorged June 2011. They had to do a green harvest in the Clos Colin vineyard this year. A ittle more pink and little less copper coloured than the 2006. Held back, smoky mineral notes, the fruit reined in but more open than the 2006 after time in the glass. On the palate, there’s a marked sweetness of red fruit to contrast with very fresh acidity. Almost red-wine-like on the palate, definite and firm but fine tannins. Not as elegant as the 2006 but more compact, very persistent. (JH)

61% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay (100% from grand cru vineyards). 15% red wine from Clos Colin in Bouzy. Dosage 8 g/l. Scented with red fruits. Sturdily fruity but nevertheless refined in texture and structure: fresh, tight and just the right amount of tannin to give shape not astringency. Overpriced though. (JH)

(effectively the same blend as the "regular" Grande Dame, with the addition of still pinot noir from Bouzy; LAAAQAQ): Vivid orange-pink. Seductively perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, Asian spices, rose and smoky minerals. Densely packed and palate-staining, offering vibrant red and dark berry flavors, along with floral pastille and buttered toast qualities. The strikingly long finish repeats the red fruit and mineral notes and lingers with serious tenacity.