2006 Veuve Clicquot "La Grande Dame" Brut Rosé Champagne
SKU #1258065
95 points
John Gilman
For both the vintage-dated and the Grande Dame Rosé bottlings, Veuve Clicquot uses their parcel of Clos Colin in the village of Bouzy for the still red wine that is used to add color to the final blend. The ’06 Grande Dame Rosé is comprised entirely of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with 33 percent of the blend the former and 67 percent of the blend the latter (with 14 percent still Pinot Noir). The dosage is eight grams per liter and the wine is outstanding, offering up a pure and complex bouquet of tangerine, desiccated cherries, chalky minerality, orange peel and plenty of smokiness. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and complex, with a superb core, lovely focus and grip, elegant mousse and a very long, zesty and wide-open finish. This is drinking beautifully right now, but will age very gracefully as well.
(5/2016)
95 points
Wine Spectator
Saffron and smoke notes waft from the glass of this rich and creamy rosé Champagne. The finely detailed bead carries flavors of baked strawberry, candied orange zest, toasted brioche and pastry cream, while the firm backbone of acidity imparts focus through to the lasting finish. Disgorged February 2015. (AN)
(11/2017)
Jancis Robinson
Deep gold-orange. Almost coppery. Not much on the nose, a touch salty, then light red fruits and even a hint of blossom. Slightly smoky on the palate, super-dry and finely textured, supple and subtle but with good length. Tannins are elegant and present, serious and persistent and are very significant in the overall style of this wine. This has a real savoury wine-like quality, even though only 15% of the blend is red wine. 17.5/20 points (JH)
(10/2015)
K&L Notes
The anchor, the Christian symbol for hope and rigor, was chosen in 1798 by Philippe Clicquot, the founder of the House, as the cork brand, the only distinguishing mark in the era before labels. As a symbol of hope, the anchor was a perfect emblem for a young entrepreneur with faith in the prosperity of his newly founded business. His widow, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, aka Madame Clicquot continued to use the same cork brand when she took over the running of the House in 1805. In keeping the anchor emblem throughout the centuries, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin remains faithful to the signs and symbols of its roots.
