Veuve Clicquot Brut 2008 (750ML)

96 DE /93 WS / 93 JS / 91 VM

96 Points Decanter: It is quite something to be invited to the launch of Champagne Veuve Clicquot 2008 at Clos des Lambrays, one of the finest grands crus of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits and acquired by LVMH in April 2014. It was rumoured to have paid close to €100m. The Veuve Clicquot 2008 is VC Chef de Caves Dominique Demarville’s first solo vintage. What fascinated him at Lambrays was winemaker Thierry Brouin’s consummate talent in capturing from the red iron-rich soil a wonderfully bright character in the wine- so fresh, rich yet elegant, density and delicacy in magical harmony. The same can be said for my two coups de coeur in Clicquot 2008. --- Veuve Clicquot 2008 (Magnum) --- Shimmering green-gold. Easily up several notches from the bottle. Perfect balance of freshness, ripe acidity and complex vinosity to come. Near perfect wine, patina of seasoned spice of subtle oak. --- Elegant and complex Champagne with plenty of fine mousse and flavours of toast, smoke and roasted fruit notes to balance the fresh acidity. A refined and refreshing fullbodied wine in a gastronomic style with the potential to drink well for many years. --- Tasters: Christelle Guibert, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Andy Howard MW

93 Points The Wine Spectator: Very elegant, this is chiseled by racy acidity that's swathed in the refined, creamy mousse and flavors of crème de cassis, preserved lemon, biscuit and dried apricot. Long and lacy on the smoke-tinged, minerally finish. Disgorged March 2015. Drink now through 2028 - Alison Napjus

93 Points James Suckling: Attractive creamy pastry notes and pithy lemon citrus fruits on offer here. There's also a gently nutty edge of autolysis, all locked in nice and fresh here. The palate's bright, crisp and has attractive fresh lemon and peach-fruit flavours. It's a really tidy and more chiselled vintage for this wine. Drink now through to 2020. - James Suckling

91 Points Vinous Media: 62% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Meunier. Light, bright gold. Ripe citrus fruits, pear, honeysuckle and minerals on the nose, with a touch of vanilla adding depth. Juicy, penetrating orchard and citrus fruit flavors show very good depth and become spicier with air. Closes sappy and long, with lasting ginger and floral nuances. - JR