1990 Veuve Clicquot - La Grande Dame Rose Champagne Blend - France - Champagne - Rose

($235) Salmon-orange with a pale rim. Deep, smoky aromas of strawberry, pear cider, cinnamon, earth and maple syrup. Very rich in the mouth, but also shows excellent verve for a wine with such volume; superripe flavors of strawberry, rose petal, iron and earth. In texture and size, this comes across more like a red wine than a rose Champagne. Spicy finish is long and gripping.

I'm not sure if my prophecy will come true—that this wine will be even better than the first vintage of 1988. Slightly richer and creamier, with exceptional volume and authority. Layer upon layer of intense, young fruit.

Striking in flavor and profile. A graceful, well-toned rosé, full of berry, autumn leaves and spice notes enmeshed in a rich texture, all supported by lively acidity. Stylish and beginning to mellow, with a long aftertaste of berry confit.