Veuve Clicquot (France) Reserve 1996
First of all, I know this is blowing apart the Wine of the Week price guidelines, as £10 is normally the maximum, but this is one of the best young vintage Veuve Clicquots I have ever tasted. It is also reduced by 9 in Safeway during February, so is a bargain. It is already beautifully toasty, rich and nutty on the nose, that richness developing on top of crisp, cool lemon and peachy fruit. The mousse is lush and persists in the mouth, with lots of body and depth and a creamy quality. All the time there’s a tang of grapefruit acidity that teases and cleanses the palate. This has fantastic length too, and is an absolutely brilliiant Champagne that should cellar effortlessly for 10 years and more. £29.99 from Bibendum, £36.99-38.99 elsewhere.
