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: La Grande Dame is part of that rare breed.

Copper-tinted pink with a strong mousse Intense aromas of redcurrant, rhubarb, wild strawberry, poached pear and rose petal, with complicating Asian spice notes. Full and rich, with plenty of heft to the broad red berry and cherry flavors and a solid core of acidity giving lift to the wine. Finishes spicy and sweet, with superb depth and a lip-smacking impression of minerality.

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 12/31/06

Rating for France-Champagne: 86 (slightly worse than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: quite possibly over the hill<br/>

ben brought to my going away party! he is awesome!