Veuve Clicquot - Brut Champagne NV

Josh Raynolds Vinous Media: 90 Points

Light gold. Musky orchard fruits and dried fig on the mineral-accented nose. Fleshy and broad on the palate, offering smoky pear and nectarine flavors and a hint of honey. Finishes on a gently spicy note, with very good cling and a touch of bitter lemon pith. Things have definitely begun to turn around for this bottling, which had been lagging behind the winery's vintage offerings for some time.

Fragrant hay, apple and stone-fruit aromas waft from the bouquet. Though it offers a dried-pear herb-mineral profile in the mouth, and an even, effervescent mouthfeel, don't expect much bead in the glass. Finishes long and dry, but flavorful.