Winemaker Notes

90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay

A unique limited edition of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012 designed by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. It is with its iconic symbols, the flower and the polka dots, that Yayoi Kusama adorns La Grande 2012 gift box and bottle. The polka dots, Yayoi Kusama's signature patterns evoke the Champagne bubbles. Created in honor of Madame Clicquot called "La Grande Dame de Champagne" in her time, La Grande Dame perfectly expresses the Maison's love for Pinot Noir.

Initial notes of white flowers on the nose, such as jasmine, honeysuckle and vine flowers can be felt and then opens with fruitier nuances of apple, pear and peach. A few notes of fresh almond and frangipane complete the bouquet. In the mouth, the cuvée reveals more complex aromas: dried apricot, hazelnuts, honey and sugar candy. Silky textures give the wine its personality, elegance and character. The aging has imparted particular depth and power to the wine.

La Grande Dame matches perfectly with freshly picked vegetables, herbs and fruits, offering endless possibilities thanks to a wide aromatic palette. "Grands Crus" vegetables for Grands Crus grapes. Savor the elegant simplicity of these "Grands Crus" vegetables with an accompaniment of quail, skate wing or sea urchin.

Critical Acclaim

96pts Wine Enthusiast

With a slight preponderance of Pinot Noir in the blend, this wine is rich and impressive. It is still young, with a crisp edge that makes the fruit shine. Apple and citrus flavors are integrated into a mineral vein. Drink from 2022.

96pts Decanter

A generous golden colour betrays the dominance of Pinot Noir in the blend; this theme thereafter maintained by aromatics of fig, wild strawberries and Mirabelle plums; behind that, jasmine, red apples and a distant whiff of woodsmoke. Engaging already, in other words. One’s impressions are confirmed and amplified on the palate, with the aspiration voiced by both chef de caves Dominique and Didier, to allow the ‘cooler’ Pinot Noir sites full rein. This is eloquently evidenced by a subtle and deftly textured structure, the primary fruit notes of nectarine and citrus peel underscored by a richer, still somewhat reticent, core, darker and more savoury of intent and oh, so subtle at the moment. I have every confidence that this characteristic will come into its own over the longer term and mark the 2012 as one of the more successful outings for this outstanding cuvée.

95pts Wine Spectator

Fine and graceful, this dances across the palate with its bright, well-defined freshness and detailed flavors of Mandarin orange, toast point, crème de cassis and minerally oyster shell. Subtle in its intensity, with all the pieces seamlessly knit into an elegant whole.

94pts James Suckling

Aromas of lime zest, lemon and brioche follow through to a full body with a round, creamy texture, fine bubbles and a delicious finish. Direct and focused 2012. Lots of elegance and energy in this. Drink or hold.