1) Dom Pérignon 1999

International Wine Cellar(93) - The Wine Advocate(96)

Could we really start with anything else?  This is probably the most recognized vintage champagne in the world.  This champagne is just so classic and debonair.  Its taste and its presentation just ooze smoothness.

This wine is radiant, pure and vibrant. It is a story of seduction and sensuality.  This wine is full of life, with a fresh nose that dances through a spiral of aromas, blending hints of angelica, dried flowers, pineapple, coconut, cinnamon, cocoa and tobacco.

With a fullness in the mouth, its earthy, smoky, pearly complexity rises to the surface, underscored by the vibrant warmth of peppery spice. The sensation of intensity develops and melts into a deep, rounded heart, with a fruity, exotic maturity and a slight touch of aniseed. This sensation, almost unsettling, is even more pronounced in the finish, while the notes of spice, still present, remain discreet, with toasted, iodine flavors.

2) Vueve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998

Wine & Spirits(95)

This Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend has a pale gold color with jade glints. It is crystal clear, with unbelievably fine bubbles.

On the nose the typical Chardonnay characteristics come to the fore, with the arrival of floral and mineral aromas.  By agitating the wine, scents of candied fruit  and sweet almond emerge, to reappear later in the mouth. After rotating the wine for a few minutes more, rare notes such as peaty malt, tobacco and delicate herbs, are gradually unveiled.

This aromatic, impressively complex bouquet is confirmed in the mouth. On the palate, the wine is clear-cut and pure, perfectly balanced with a delightful silky smoothness. It has a lace-like construction, has a long, lively, and structured finish.

This wine has unbelievable aging potential. This is the quintessence of the Veuve Clicquot style and reaches a peak of refinement, without losing its legendary strength produced by a blend including nearly two-thirds of Pinot Noir.

The contrast of depth and brightness, or intensity and weightlessness creates a sense of harmonic resonance in this wine. All the aromatics are potent, from the scent of rising bread dough to the red skin of an apple, all the corresponding flavors rich yet refreshing. The firmness of the acidity seems to add briskness to the mousse, leaving a clean, chiseled impression of the chalk soils in which this grew. Once in a while, there is a young beauty who will age into a more profound older beauty.

For the lady bankers out this is the first of two rosés that I had to throw in for good measure.  Although, this first Rosé definitely has something for the fellas if you care to peak at the latest ads for this product featuring photos of Eva Herzigova by Karl Lagerfeld.  I also posted some eye candy for the ladies of Brad Kroenig. Who wouldn’t want to come home to a $400 bottle of Rosé in Eva’s hands in your apartment.

That’s enough distraction from the champagne.  Even considering the marketing, this a fantastic Rosé.  It has the lightheartedness and vibrancy of the Pinot Noir grape while still maintaining the balance between the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  This play of contrasts reaches such a degree of density and sophistication that it achieves a wonderful harmony.  The color of this is amazing.  It is a bright, amber-tinged pink with pinpoint bubbles.  It is deep, smoky and complex, with a kaleidoscopic bouquet incorporating wild strawberry, peach, apricot, chestnut honey and cured meat. It also features powerful flavors of orange peel, raspberry, redcurrant, baking spice and smoked meat and gentle supporting acidity. It has a slowly building impression of acidity that suggests this will be a long ager.  It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer.  Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne.  As usual, a stunning Champagne." Many have called this one of the greatest modern vintages of Champagne.

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rosé 1998

The second Rosé on The Prince’s list is still pretty pricey but is less well known and is probably easier to get your hands on.  This is a luminous, deep goldish red with a persistent fine mousse. The rich, intense nose displays notes of dried fruits, like black figs and dates, and mild spices such as vanilla in harmony with a softer, almost creamy base. On the palate the texture is deep and tightly woven. The structure of the pinot noir is perfectly rounded. Gracious notes of black cherries and raspberries dominate the finish. The exceptional flavor and taste of this truly great Champagne make it a magnificent accompaniment to fine cuisine.  The Prince drank this at Bouley.  This is a vintage that will age very well.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

WN(92) - WS(90)

This has got to be The Prince’s favorite non-vintage champagne and it certainly has fans all over the world.  It is the only non-vintage champagne worthy of The Prince’s palate,  I rung in the 4th of July watching fireworks from my apartment sharing a bottle of this with my girlfriend.  It was a great night and this is a wonderful champagne.  The value is amazing considering this is one of the most affordable french non-vintages that is readily available at most shops.  Now, remember The Prince only cares about value when it comes to stocks and in champagne he only wants the best.  This is Clicquot’s signature non-vintage and The Prince loves its crispness and full flavors.  This is a classic dry Champagne and is a blend of two-thirds black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and one-third Chardonnay.  The black grapes give it body and the Chardonnay makes it genteel.  The Prince would certainly choose this over more expensive bottles when it comes to taste but The Prince is more concerned with showing off so if he’s in public he is probably not going to be drinking non-vintage champagne even if he prefers it in private.  Regardless, this is the gold standard for non-vintage Champagne every single year when it hits the stores.  Its nutty, rich, creamy, and complex taste make this a superb Champagne.