Wine Spectator 96 points - An elegant Champagne, powered by a sculpted frame of acidity and minerality, this wears the refined, lacy mousse and well-meshed flavors of black currant, lemon curd, toast and marzipan like finely tailored clothing. Fresh and lasting, with hints of spice and smoke on the finish. Disgorged August 2016. Drink now through 2033. -AN.November/2018 Wine & Spirits 98 points - This is a sunny and delicious 2008, with brightness infusing the wine, from its platinum color to its mineral intensity, transforming its richness and power into cool elegance. Notes of agave and cassia bark add depth, suggesting the complexity this will develop with further bottle age..December/2018 Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin's Prestige Cuvee, La Grande Dame, is a very great wine which pays homage to a very great lady in the Champagne world, Madame Cliquot. The incomparable finesse of this cuvee results from a blend of eight of the house's traditional Grand Crus. Strength and structure come from the dominance of Pinot Noir (60-65%) from the best plots on the Montagne de Reims (Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay) and the Grande Vallee de la Marne (Ay), blended with the freshness and delicacy of Chardonnay (35-40%) from the most prestigious crus on the Cote des Blancs (Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger).
