Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2006 // Charlotte Olympia Limited Edition

Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, Veuve Clicquot played an important role in establishing champagne as a favored drink of haute bourgeoisie and nobility throughout Europe. The 1811 comet vintage of Veuve Clicquot is theorized to have been the first truly "modern" Champagne.

This limited edition bottle from 2006, and features a gorgeous bottle and box, designed by famed fashion designer Charlotte Olympia.

The wine itself was awarded 95 points by Decanter, who said: "We have the volume, structure and depth balanced by the cut and thrust of the acidity. On the palate are layers of cream, honey, nuts, brioche, pear, marzipan and ginger. The texture is shimmeringly silky and full. The finish alone deserves an ovation and demands an encore. Bravo."

It was also awarded 94 points by Robert Parker, Jr.'s Wine Advocate, who said: "Very intense and complex on the nose, this is a full-bodied, round, rich and mouth-filling, but also refined prestige cuvée; it reveals a fascinating purity, precision and freshness. The finish is long and complex, and shows a spicy minerality. There are coffee beans, bread and toast aromas in the aftertaste. This comes highly recommended."

It even won a final 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, who said: "Veuve Clicquot's prestige cuv̩e is named after the widow Clicquot, the great lady who built up the house in the early 19th century. This latest incarnation is just showing signs of ripe toasty maturity. It is rich and soft with a high dosage, in the house style, with a full panoply of lime, red apple and apricot. Drink now and until 2022." Dec 2015