2008 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve

The 2008 Brut Vintage is showing well, mingling aromas of toasted nuts, brioche and honeycomb with hints of yellow orchard fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it's textural and fleshy, with a rich core of fruit and fine mid-palate amplitude, underpinned by a racy spine of acidity and complemented by a pinpoint mousse. Some 5% of the vins clairs were vinified in foudre. This is one of only two vintage releases from Veuve Clicquot in the first decade of the new millennium.

A very upright, fresh and youthful vintage for Clicquot with lemon citrus, peach and almond nougat aromas. The palate has a brisk acid punch – assertive in 2008. Crisp lemon and peach fruit flavors hold bright, and there is some oyster shell chalkiness, too, leading into a warming, grilled nut-flavored finish. Drink now.

Assembling 35% Chardonnay, 5% Meunier and 60% Pinot Noir, the 2008 Vintage Brut is one of the rare vintage Champagnes of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin and it follows the earlier releases of 1999, 2004 and 2012. Disgorged in March 2015 with eight grams dosage, the bright colored 2008 has a very clear, fresh, pure and intense, as well as complex nose, with brioche, biscuit and prominent Chardonnay aromas. Pure, dry, straight and elegant on the palate, this is a refreshing and lifted, but also complex and expressive Brut. It also has tension, grip and a stimulating salinity in the finish. This Champagne is excellent and should be served with seafood. Jun 2016, www.robertparker.com