Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot is a House steeped in rich history that owes its success largely to one woman, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin. Madame Clicquot also invented the riddling rack on her kitchen table, an apparatus that removes the sediment from the bottle after second fermentation still used in the region today. Veuve Clicquot own a respectable 382 hectares of vineyards with an emphasis on Pinot Noir. The House maintains the largest collection of old reserve wines in Champagne, these help give Yellow Label its complexity while ensuring the high quality is maintained in the world’s second bestselling Champagne brand. In 2008 Dominique Demarville joined as Cellar Master, he “refreshed the brand” including increasing the proportion of Pinot Noir in La Grande Dame to 90%+ and with blending shifts he brought a new freshness in Yellow Label. In 2019 Didier Mariotti took over as Cellar Master.

Distinctive and powerful, each Veuve Clicquot vintage is the unique expression of a single harvest chosen for its remarkable quality and loyalty to the House style. Vintages with exceptional qualities and unparalleled ageing potential are carefully preserved for decades at the heart of Veuve Clicquot’s chalk cellars in Reims, making up the Cave Privée collection.

Weather: The 1990 vintage experienced some frost damage early in the year, particularly during April. However, a superb summer helped the grapes thrive in their growth. Due to the long days and summer sun combined with cool nights, the grapes had excellent alcohol and acidity levels. The crop was the third largest on record and 1990 produced the ripest wines since 1959. A fantastic vintage.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | Pinot Noir: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne | Chardonnay: Côte des Blancs & a little from Montagne de Reims | Meunier: Montagne de Reims
Grape Varieties: 56% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 11% Meunier
Disgorgement: 2016
Ageing: 25 years on the lees
Dosage: 4 g/l
Drink: Now to 2030+

Tasting Note: The nose is impressive for its intensity and great richness. From the first moments, the complexity and concentration are apparent with fruity aromas dominant. On the palate, creamy smoothness gives way to peach, lemon and pear with a slight smoky tint. With twenty-three years post-vintage and five years post-disgorgement, 1990 is a testimony to the enduring power of a vintage.