Thanks to Johnny for sharing such collectible and nice photos!

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 'La Grande Dame' 1979 Brut Champagne (750ml bottle)

Grape proportions: 62% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay

Tasted in May, 2010

Glass type: Richard Juhlin 'perfect' champagne glass

Deep straw yellow with amber hue. Very few bubbles fast dissipate.

A big relief after taking the initial sniff: though the evolved nose clearly shows its age, there is none odd smell, nor intrusive oxidative note. Maturity and subtlety find perfect harmony on the thought-provoking bouquet, with refined myriads of aromas from sherry, rum, dark chocolate, biscuit, sea salt to malt, walnut and beet. The taste layers are equally refined, complex, harmonious and long, showing a concentrated and evolved liquor-like character (sherry, rum and whiskey – yes, it has them all!) with plum and butterscotch building on the finish.

15 minutes after uncorking: restrained sherry note now mingles with aromas of plum, honey and walnut oil.

20 minutes: now the wine behaves much ‘younger’ ! The sherry-like aroma and taste fade out. Instead, the walnut depth now dominates both the nose and the palate, seamlessly integrated with creamy, buttery bouquet and plum-like fruit. I reckon this is because the more evolved Pinot Noir portion has had its show, and now Chardonnay takes over the helm, rendering a blanc de blancs character -- quite reminiscent of Salon 79 tasted earlier this year, albeit a bit soft.

With further airing in the glass, this aged bubbly continues its journey with no hurry!

40 minutes: There appears refined malt sugar bouquet.

70 minutes: The palate now takes on coffee finesse!

80 minutes: A seductive bouquet of nut-toffee, coffee and butter. The walnut depth now mingles with lovely dark chocolate flavor, with fine toffee finish.

Another classic 79 with vintage-typical grace and longevity. And every bit worthy of the great champagne madame's name!

A nectar for meditation, perfectly accompanied by a fine cigar.