Veuve Clicquot, 1985 Champagne and Sparkling
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut in presentation carton
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Price:
$370.97 USD
Description
The 1985 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame is a prestigious vintage Champagne from one of the most iconic Champagne houses. Created as a tribute to the house's founder, Madame Clicquot, this wine represents the pinnacle of Veuve Clicquot's expertise, showcasing exceptional quality and the unique character of a remarkable vintage.
Wine Overview
La Grande Dame is Veuve Clicquot's prestige cuvée, made only in exceptional vintages. The 1985 vintage is composed primarily of:
Pinot Noir (dominant): Typically 60–65%, providing structure, body, and red fruit notes.
Chardonnay: Around 35–40%, adding elegance, finesse, and floral and citrus characteristics.
The grapes are sourced from the house’s finest Grand Cru vineyards, ensuring the highest quality.
Vintage Characteristics
The 1985 vintage was one of the great years for Champagne, with a cool and steady growing season followed by ideal harvest conditions. These factors allowed for the development of complex flavors, vibrant acidity, and excellent aging potential, making the 1985 La Grande Dame a Champagne with remarkable balance and depth.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Rich gold with fine, persistent bubbles, reflecting its age and quality.
Aroma: A complex bouquet of baked apples, pears, and citrus, with secondary notes of toasted brioche, almond, and hazelnut. Tertiary aromas of honey, dried apricots, and subtle oxidative notes like caramel and toffee add depth.
Palate: Full-bodied and luxurious, with a creamy mousse and vibrant acidity. Flavors of baked orchard fruits, candied citrus, and toasted nuts dominate, complemented by minerality and hints of vanilla and spice. The balance between richness and freshness is impeccable.
Finish: Long, elegant, and layered, with lingering notes of honey, toasted bread, and a touch of saline minerality.
Drinking Window
As of 2025, the 1985 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame is likely at or near the end of its optimal drinking window. Properly stored bottles can still offer a stunning experience, showcasing its mature complexity. However, it should be consumed soon to enjoy its remaining vibrancy.
Food Pairing
This mature vintage Champagne pairs beautifully with refined and flavorful dishes, such as:
Lobster or king crab with butter and lemon.
Seared scallops or turbot with a light cream sauce.
Roast chicken or guinea fowl with truffle.
Aged cheeses like Parmesan or aged Comté.
Serving Recommendations
Chilling: Serve at a temperature of 10–12°C (50–54°F) to highlight its complex aromas and flavors.
Glassware: Use a white wine glass rather than a traditional flute to allow the wine's aromas to fully develop.
Decanting: Decanting is not typical for Champagne, but for a mature wine like this, gently pouring into a wide-bottomed glass or decanter may help open up the bouquet.
Conclusion
The 1985 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame is a testament to the house's dedication to excellence and the exceptional quality of the vintage. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the depth and complexity of aged Champagne, making it a true treasure for collectors and connoisseurs.
Condition
Good
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