Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Extra Brut Extra Old (Gift Box) (WS92)

Wine Spectator 92

James Suckling 93

A new cuvée and an assemblage of reserve wines from 1988, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 laid down in vats for three years, in bottle for another three, followed by a year's rest after disgorging. The freshness belies its age on the nose. This is still bursting with lemon citrus and peach stone fruits, pastry and gently spicy nuances. The palate has a mellow texture (lower pressure bottling at 4.5 atmospheres) and a seamless integration of glossy citrus and stone fruit flavors with biscuity, spicy and nutty complexity. Sweetness of time is all that's required as the dosage is a low 3g/l.