- Pinot Noir power and richness
- Delicate fruit and harmony that makes you want another glass right away
La Grande Dame 2018 - charm, finesse and such fun to drink now
The 2018 vintage of La Grande Dame is already in impressive form: amazingly accessible, fruit-driven and with remarkable harmony. Since 2012, the style of the house has changed noticeably - away from the previously often oxidative notes towards more freshness and fruit. In comparison, the 2008 vintage is still very much in the classic Veuve Clicquot tradition: less fruit, but more characterised by nutty aromas.For the 2018 vintage, the ageing on the lees was reduced to five years, which contributes to the youthful freshness and elegance. The cuvée remains traditional: 90% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus Ambonnay, Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay, Verzy and 10% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
The 2018 vintage - climatically favourable, stylistically charming
2018 was a sunny vintage, but without periods of extreme heat or pronounced drought stress. As a result, the grapes ripened evenly and the harvest began unusually early - on 20 August. The decisive advantage was that the nights in August remained cool, so that a balanced acidity level was maintained. Although 2018 is not a year with the taut, racy acidity of 2008, the level is significantly higher than that of the low-acid 2015.
The combination of ripe fruit, balanced acidity and structural finesse lends the wines of the vintage charm and early accessibility - even if certain question marks remain regarding their long-term ageing potential.
The vintage in context
It is interesting to compare this vintage with 2019, which matured under similarly favourable climatic conditions, but currently appears much more closed and tighter. 2018 also brought high yields, which to a certain extent was at the expense of concentration - in contrast to years such as 2002 or 2008. Nevertheless, the vintage has more substance than the lighter 2016 and 2017 vintages.
Conclusion
La Grande Dame 2018 is a great, if not monumental, champagne. It impresses with style, balance and finesse and shows how tradition and modern style can be harmoniously combined at Veuve Clicquot. This Pinot Noir Champagne is already a pleasure to drink, with very good potential for further development.
