Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut 2015
Veuve Clicquot only declares a vintage when the year earns it. 2015 is the 67th since 1810, and the blend leans hard on Pinot Noir at 50%, with 30% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier behind it.
13% of that Pinot Noir comes from Bouzy Grand Cru, and a tenth of the wine was vinified and aged in large oak casks. That oak is what gives the middle of the palate its width without ever tasting woody.
Bright yellow in the glass. The nose runs citrus first, orange and grapefruit and lemon peel, then the long lees ageing arrives as brioche, roasted almond and honey, with toast and coffee behind it. Dosage is held at 6 grams, so the finish stays taut rather than sweet.
Drink it now with something that can answer back. Veuve Clicquot point to miso and spice, and to turbot in tempura with sesame. Or put it away. The house rates it at over 15 years, so there is no hurry.
The rest of the Champagne and sparkling range is worth a look, and if you want to go a step further up, the Louis Roederer Cristal 2016 is on the shelf. More French wine here.
The details
- Producer: Veuve Clicquot
- Vintage: 2015
- Variety: Pinot Noir 50%, Chardonnay 30%, Meunier 20%
- Region: Champagne, France
- Style: Vintage Champagne, Brut
- Dosage: 6g/L
- Bottle size: 750mL
- Serve at: 10 to 12°C
- Cellaring: Over 15 years