1985 Veuve Clicquot "Gold Label Reserve" Brut Champagne 1.5L

This full-bodied, exceptionally ageworthy Champagne is very backward. It is loaded with extract, exhibits a classy, honeyed, baked bread bouquet, rich, authoritative flavors, excellent effervescence, tiny bubbles, and a crisp, full, robust finish. I would not be surprised to see this Champagne last for 20 or more years. (6/ 1993)

*Highly Recommended* A bold, toasty style, packed with tiers of spice, nut and mature pear and citrus flavors that are tight, focused, dry and austere. Remarkably complex and well balanced, showing richness, depth and complexity. Drink now. (9/ 1993)

The 1985 harvest was of exceptional quality, but many in Champagne remember it more for the awful, vine-killing frosts of January, which wiped out many acres of young vines. The weather was great after the hard winter and ripe, perfectly healthy fruit was harvested at the beginning of October. The Clicquot is composed of 49% Pinot Noir, 36.5% Chardonnay and 14.5% Meunier. The wine has a golden color, and an ultra-rich, buttery brioche nose that could not be more open and giving. On the palate it is a warming, very full bodied style that fans of decadent Champagne will love. It is such a great example of mature toastiness that I think it will even make a converts among the most die hard fans of austerity. This is a magnum for the foie gras course if their ever was one! Because of the large format bottle and the greatness of the vintage, I think this will still be drinking well at 50 years old. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)