Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Luminous

"Rare Millésime 2013 expresses the house’s signature—blending minerality with a tropical twist—in two stages. Despite its initially reserved appearance, this vintage unfurls delicious notes of pastries and spices in a saline tension that is both noble and full-bodied.

"The effervescence of Rare Millésime 2013 is tinged with an intensely bright, light golden colour. The nose, at first subtle and clean, emerges in two stages combining tonicity and elegance. It all begins with the delicacy of white flowers, a hint of black tea and touches of citrus, kiwi and kumquat. Then, notes of lime blossom, green tea and fern give way to aromas of white fruits such as greengage plums. Touches of chestnut honey, sweet spices, vanilla and marzipan round off the wine’s rich bouquet. The two facets of Rare Millésime 2013 are confirmed in the mouth: smooth and vibrant, indulgent and dynamic. After hints of meringue, whipped cream and marzipan, kumquat, blood orange and kiwi then provide a refreshing tonicity. On the finish, the comforting texture of Rare Millésime 2013 appears as an aromatic and smoky indulgence punctuated by a freshness and a subtle bitterness. Rare Champagne’s iconic signature of tropic minerality is expressed differently in Rare Millésime 2013, extended by a plump and prolonged aftertaste." —winemaker

"In 2014, an unusually mild, wet winter was followed by a dry, sunny spring. Summer was notable for abundant rainfall in July and August, two months of contrasting temperatures. September brought a return to normal, with favorable climatic conditions for harvest. The grapes were healthy and picked at the point of perfect ripeness. The resulting clear wines were powerful and complex with subtle overtones of fruit.

"A pale gold, clear and luminous, like the rising sun. Delicate aromas of fruit – vine peach and poached pear – and linden and hawthorn blossom. Notes of juicy vine peach lend a fine texture, complemented by poached pear and tangy rhubarb. A combination of freshness, balance and tension. A rare and harmonious champagne." —winemaker

"A light golden color and fine, vivacious bubbles, holding a promise of pleasure. Aromas of flowers in bloom, ripe, dried and citrus  fruits, as well as marzipan and gingerbread. Grilled notes and flavors of almond paste, quince, lemon, limoncello and dried fruit." —winemaker

"The first release from Armand de Brignac, the Brut Gold remains the most iconic cuvée in the range. Rich with the old world traditions of champagne blending, it is a trio of vintages from some of the most lauded terroirs in the region, resulting in a prestige cuvée that expresses vibrant fresh fruit character, and layers of complexity.

"Peach, apricot and red berry aromas are followed by crystalized citrus, orange blossom and hints of brioche. The palate is rich with cherries, exotic fruits and a touch of lemon, vanilla and honey. The mouth feel is soft and creamy, with a hint of toastiness, from the unique Armand de Brignac dosage which is aged for one year in French oak barrels. Drinking beautifully now or can be rested under ideal cellaring conditions." —winemaker

"The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the finest example of the Taittinger House style and is always a vintage cuvée. It is made with 100% white grapes from the 5 villages with a Grands Crus classification for the Chardonnay grape (Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger). This cuvée is created using juice from the first press only. A small percentage (5 %) of the blend is aged in fresh oak barrels to create the very delicate balance of toasted notes in the final wine. Taittinger knows it must be patient with these great Chardonnays, which are the crowning glory of its terroir; the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs remains for up to  10 years in the chalk quarries beneath Saint-Nicaise, before emerging to ignite and delight the palates of wine-lovers." —winemaker