1988 Veuve Clicquot Brut La Grande Dame
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1990 La Grande Dame is a shock to the palate after all the older wines in this tasting. Candied lemon, rosemary, dried flowers and spices are all super-expressive in the glass. The 1990 retain a good bit of brightness, especially for its age. The citrus flavors have still not moved into realm or more orangish tonalities, as is likely to happen over time. The 1990 can be enjoyed now and for the next 20 years or so. (AG)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Medium golden color. Like its 1990 counterpart this too is beautifully complex with its overtly yeasty nose of baked apple, dried flowers and soft spice nuances. Also like the 1990 this remains wonderfully fresh and vibrant with its supporting mousse that retains an attractive bead, all wrapped in an equally complex finish that displays just a touch of the typical 1988 austerity. Note that this too should continue to hold for years to come.
Dominique Demarville’s preferred vintage because it is more 'classically delicate, light and creamy.' As yellow in the glass as their famous label, almost. Very toasty on the nose. Delightfully acrid – like Hunter Semillon? Full bodied and plump. Losing its fruit though. (RH)
I highly recommend the Veuve Clicquot 1990 La Grande Dame. It is exquisitely rich and accessible, yet bursting with potential. (RP)