Veuve Clicquot's Brut Yellow Label

Today I will be tasting an reviewing Veuve Clicquot's Brut Yellow Label from Reims, France. Priced at $60 a bottle, I am eager to see if the legendary french champagne producer relies on great champagne, instead of their infamous branding.

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is a champagne producer based in Reims, France. Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot specializes in champagnes and is credited with producing the first modern champagne through technological advancements in 1811. Long considered a well respected champagne producer Veuve Clicquot owns New Zealand's Cloud Bay Vineyards as well as being a part of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy group of luxury wine producers. Veuve Clicquot's champagnes are championed for their balanced flavors and historical significance.

"Well-knit and balanced, with vibrant acidity framing hints of blackberry, white cherry, biscuit, honey and candied lemon zest. Offers a lightly smoky finish."
90 Points Wine Spectator

"Light gold. Musky orchard fruits and dried fig on the mineral-accented nose. Fleshy and broad on the palate, offering smoky pear and nectarine flavors and a hint of honey. Finishes on a gently spicy note, with very good cling and a touch of bitter lemon pith. Things have definitely begun to turn around for this bottling, which had been lagging behind the winery's vintage offerings for some time."
90 Points International Wine Cellar

"One of the most familiar of Champagnes, the Yellow Label is finely made—a fruity while structured wine. It has both fresh and fragrant fruit as well as richness, a soft, creamy texture and bright acidity. There is no sense in bottle aging here—drink this wine because of its crispness."
90 Points Wine Enthusiast

Veuve Clicquot's Brut Yellow label has an abv of 12%. Described as balanced, with high acidity Veuve Clicquot does not disappoint. Sourced from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay medley, Veuve Clicquot is the epitome of class. I tasted this champagne on my veranda on a hot summer day, its very refreshing and summery. Notes of Black Current, lemon zest, and white cherry frame a rich and creamy texture that will have you wishing you were in France. Veuve Clicquot' Brut Yellow Label was also rated highly by critics, with Wine enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and International Wine Cellar all giving it a score of 90/100. Personally, I would rate Veuve Clicquot's Brut Yellow Label an 88/100. The acidity was refreshing on a hot day but slightly overpowering, and I would have liked a greater diversity of notes. Fruity and Complex Veuve Clicquot's Brut Yellow Label exceeded my expectations for a champagne of this price.

Veuve Clicquot is a mid range champagne, running about $60 a bottle. However, the reason they can charge a premium price is because they have a well crafted premium product. I would personally recommend this champagne for any special occasion, or for entertaining. With a beautiful body and heavenly combination of smoky, citrus, and berry notes, this champagne is a great value. For under $100 this bottle is a steal and could be mistaken for a more expensive bottle. Veuve Clicquot is a world recognized brand, with a well respected product and it would be a disservice to oneself to not include a few bottles in any dabbling or experienced wine enthusiast's cellar. Do yourself a favor, and always have a few bottles of Veuve Clicquot on hand for toasts on special occasions. Even though Veuve Clicquot is a higher priced champagne it is without a doubt a great value.