Michael Vaughan's Weekly National Post Feature

For Mother's Day!
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne
A priceless bubbly for that priceless mother!
Michael Vaughan's Bottle of the Week
National Post • Saturday Weekend Section • May 7, 2005

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Of all the ultra-premium “Grande Marque” Champagnes currently available, nothing matches the finesse, flavour and subtle richness of Veuve Clicquot 1995 La Grande Dame Champagne (CSPC 354779). It was the 27-year-old Madame Clicquot, born Nicole-Barbe Ponsardin (1777-1866), who put this house on the map after her husband died in 1805 after just 7 years of marriage. During her 61-year rule, she created new standards and pioneered the process of remuage (or shaking). This is critical in getting all the deposit into the bottle’s neck where it can be removed by dégorgement leaving it crystal clear. To commemorate her heroic efforts, the first La Grande Dame (the 1969 vintage) did not appear until 1977 to celebrate the firm’s 200th birthday. This blend of the finest Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%) comes from eight historic Grand Cru vineyards, which actually belonged to Madame Clicquot! It comes in a unique heavy bottle - an exact replica of the one chosen by Madame. As for pricing, Quebec has it right at a mere $155! In Ontario it is $171.95 (click here to see where it is available), while Manitoba it is a sky-high $218.53. The 1995 vintage is outstanding scoring three stars out of three stars. For more info on La Grand Dame by authority Tom Stevenson click here (this document will read better if printed).

Those wanting something in the same vein but a little less expensive should reach for the fine, non-vintage dated, Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut (563338) at $58.05 in Ontario and $65 in Quebec! For mums only wanting a wee nip, let me recommend a half (375 ml) bottle or the small 200 ml edition (#605444) at $17.70 (Ontario - click here to see where it is available) and $18.95 in BC. Unlike the small bottles produced by some Champagne houses, this bottle actually has all the effervescence of the full sized edition.

If you happen to come across Veuve Clicquot 1998 Champagne Riche Reserve (about $75) don’t miss it! It had its Canadian premiere at the Windsor Arms Hotel Courtyard Café last March where Veuve Cliquot winemaker Frédéric Panaïoitis introduced his family of Champagnes at a multi-course dinner. The Riche Reserve has very fine fruit, excellent mousse, just a subtle hint of sweetness and a lingering, lifted finish. Although it is currently listed on the LCBO website, it was never actually ordered! For information call Emma Herlihy at 416-626-2000 ext. 2332.

2001-2002-2003-2004-2005 Tasting Note Database
Our tasting note database from December 31, 2000 to April 2005, covers every Vintages release product for the past 52 months. There are more than 8,000 notes in the database data. Just enter the name of the product, supplier name or CSPC number. Or you can search by type of wine, country of origin, even wine agent! Nothing could be easier. Also you can get information on the agent by clicking on the agent’s name, as well as current LCBO store inventory by clicking on "Check LCBO Availability", which will automatically tell you the number of bottles at LCBO as of last night.

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** For All Visitors **
Vintages June 2005 Release
To see the complete list of upcoming 169 products click here (sorted by date of release). It includes the number of cases, which wines were presented by the LCBO, our agent ID for every product,
as well as, the 26 “In Store Discoveries” for June.
You can also see it sorted by agent click here

Copyright Food & Beverage Testing Institute of Canada 2005
Prior written permission is required for any form of reproduction
(electronic or other wise) and or quotation.
Contact Michael Vaughan at
mbv@total.net