Thanks to Johnny for sharing this nice oldie!

Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grande Dame’ 1985 Brut Champagne

(old-bottle version; 750ml)

62% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay – all Grands Crus

Tasted in end Oct., 2012

*1985 is the last vintage of 'La Grande Dame' to be put into this old-fashioned, waisted bottle. There is also a new-bottle version of LGD 85.

Served upon uncorking.

Bright gold, with highlights of brass – the color is much lighter than expected, an exciting sign of youth! Pinpoint bubbles.

Captivating bouquet right from the start! Rich yet ultra-refined: praline at the core, complemented by charming nuances of toasted brioche, walnut, sea breeze and white chocolate.

The taste is even more amazing: not for the complexity (no one would ever doubt that), but for the freshness and vivacity! There is an incisive, spicy mineral tone that electrifies the whole, nourished by delicious flavors of brioche, hazelnut, cheese, sea salt, white chocolate, and still fresh, apple-like fruit! Perfectly balanced and poised, it feels rich yet lifted. If blind tasted, I would guess it to be a very sound bottle from the mid 1990s.

Some 20 minutes after opening, when we pour the second round, sweeping change has occurred: the color is much darker (deep gold, not very clear); and the wine has become decidedly mature & mellow: oily, dark and fat -- very much evolved. Now it impresses by body & evolution. But frankly, this phase is much less exciting than the previous episode.  

Intriguing experience. Plenty of food for thought.