Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose 2008

Intense color with copper glints. Very small, sparkling bubbles. The initial nose reveals a saline, mineral background, then notes of red fruits (Morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant) and some more toasted notes of hazelnut, cocoa bean and sweet spices. When agitated, these empyreumatic characteristics are accentuated, while the aromatic complexity of the great Pinot Noirs is ever-present. In the mouth, it is plump and full of substance. The texture is crisp and silky. The tannins are still present, calling for a cuisine with texture to bring out the best in this wine. The finish is long and coats the palate. The tannins are already very well integrated and can be expected to blend in still further over the coming years.There's a racy tension here, with vivid acidity and an underlying streak of minerality, yet this is elegant overall, with a finely detailed mousse and well-meshed flavors of ripe raspberry, nectarine, Earl Grey tea and biscuit. Offers a long, chalk-tinged finish. WS 94