Veuve Clicquot 2018 La Grande Dame 750ml

This finely detailed Champagne teases the palate with pinprick-sized bubbles and lightly mouthwatering acidity, a harmonious frame for flavors of patisserie pear and cherry fruit, pickled ginger, almond biscotti and spun honey. This is subtle at first but expands beautifully on the palate, and the long, minerally finish echoes smoke and oyster shell notes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now through 2040.

Score: 95 points -- Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 2025