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August Rare and Fine Wine(#42) 04/08/2020 6:00 PM NZST CLOSED

Lot 145 of 281: (1) 1989 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose

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Lot closed - unsold

Estimate: $400 - $500

August Rare and Fine Wine(#42) 04/08/2020 6:00 PM NZST CLOSED

Description

Description:

(1) 1989 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose JR18/20

A return to the hot and sunny vintages such as the legendary years 1945, 1959 and 1964. After a relatively mild winter, bud break was very early, from the end of March onwards. A colder spell followed and on April 27, a severe frost attacked a substantial part of the Champagne vineyards. The Côte des Blancs suffered minor damage, mainly towards the northern part (Chouilly). Avize, Oger and Mesnil-sur-Oger remained intact, as did Verzenay and Verzy, on the Montagne de Reims. There was greater damage to the east and the south, notably in Ambonnay, Bouzy and Ay, on the lower slopes.

Veuve Clicquot’s vineyard, situated on the middle slopes of these areas where the frost was less biting, was relatively unharmed. A milder period of almost summer weather set in, allowing the vine to return to its usual life-cycle but at the beginning of the crucial flowering period, there was a cold snap that raised the risk of damage from shatter and millerandage. Better weather came and fortunately lasted from mid-June until the harvest, giving a succession of hot, sunny days.

Picking began on 4 September. The first grapes were picked from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs and had ripened in perfect conditions. A few days later we harvested Pinot Noir, which were then at their best: superb quality and in perfect condition. The Pinots Noirs exceeded 10 g/l (18 ºB) and the Chardonnays from our best crus even reached 11 g/l (20 °B). In Bouzy, where Veuve Clicquot grows the vines for its red wine, the Pinot Noir grapes were harvested from 15 September. 85% white still wine (51% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay),15% Bouzy Rouge. Dosage 8 g/l, disgorged 1998.

Charles Delahaye was the chef de cave at this time - he's now 95.

A good deal paler than the 1998, much more similar to the colour of the 2006. Fabulous toasty grilled notes on the nose, some dried fruits, but still a little salty and still showing some red fruit. Rich and sweet/sour on the palate, dense but so alive and fresh and seemless. Drink 2015 - 25 Jancis Robinson

Categories: France – Champagne
Collection Information

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CONDITION OF WINE

Goods are described as accurately as can be ascertained by The Wine Auction Room at the time, however Buyers of older wine must make appropriate allowances for natural variations of ullage and the condition of corks and labels. The Wine Auction Room has made every effort to describe any bottle that is not in excellent condition. Each Lot is sold by the Vendor with all faults and defects (if any) and with all errors of description and shall be at the Buyer’s risk on the fall of the hammer and neither The Wine Auction Room nor the Vendor shall be accountable for any deficiency, damage or loss which may arise thereafter.

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COLLECTION

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Ratings

We have used ratings from a number of well-known wine writers. RP (RobertParker.com), WS (Wine Spectator), ST (Stephen Tanzer), JS (James Suckling), AG (Antonio Galloni), TA (Tim Atkin MW), JH (James Halliday), JO (Jeremy Oliver), HH (Huon Hooke) , JCL (Jeannie Cho Lee MW), BC (Bob Campbell MW) and BH (Burghound) scores are out of 100. JR (Jancis Robinson MW) and D (Decanter) are scores out of 20.

Descriptions

Ullage is the term that refers to the gap between the bottom of the cork and the fill level of the wine. All wines are listed in the catalogue have Ullage level “IN into neck” or higher. If the level is lower, it is stated in the catalogue.

TS (Top Shoulder)          A good level in any wine 20 years or older.

US (Upper Shoulder)       Indicates slight natural reduction through easing of the cork and evaporation through the capsule

MS (Mid Shoulder)        Indicates some weakening of the cork and therefore some risk. This is not unusual in wines over 50 years old and estimates will take this into account.

LMS (Low Mid Shoulder)           indicates high risk and will attract low estimates.

OC                               Original Carton

OPB                             Original Presentation Box

OWC                            Original Wooden Case

IN                                Into Neck

TS                                 Top Shoulder Fill

US                                Upper Shoulder Fill

MS                               Mid Shoulder Fill

LS                                 Low Shoulder Fill

TC                                Torn Capsule

OX                               Oxidised Capsule

NC                               No Capsule

CC                                Corroded Capsule

RL                                Replacement Label

FL                                 Faded Label

TL                                 Tattered Label

TOL                              Torn Label

STOL                             Slightly Torn Label

HSL                               Heavily Stained Label

BSL                               Bin Stained Label

TSL                               Tissue Stained Label

SOL                              Soiled Label

*                                  indicates a representative of The Wine Auction Room or a Trade vendor.