Veuve Clicquot : La Grande Dame by Simon Porte Jacquemus 2018

Buttered croissant with raspberry jam and a faint lift of rose makes for an indulgent nose. The palate is energetic and creamy, with brisk acidity keeping everything in balance. A subtle chalky finish provides refined depth. Seamless and effortless, it's one that will disappear quickly in the glass.

The long sunny days and warmth of the 2018 vintage has provided glowing stone and citrus fruit to this glorious Grande Dame. While the initial attack plays on various riffs of lemon oil, verbena, orange rind and grapefruit, it's the deeply mineral and tightly wound core that surprises most with this wine, and this is what will ensure its long-term ageing potential. Delectable candied orange rind builds to a crescendo of yuzu and coconut cream. A luminous and energetic iteration of La Grande Dame.