I love champagne; simple as that. While I do favor Dom Perignon, there are some respectable bottles out there that are worth your time and more importantly your money.

In the late 1990’s, Vueve Clicquot started overtaking Moet as New York’s preferred bubbly. What many individuals don’t know is that Vueve Clicquot produces a great prestige cuvee called La Grande Dame.

Translated as “a highly respected elderly or middle-aged woman”, La Grande Dame was a tribute to Madame’ Clicquot. I was fortunate to get a bottle of the Vintage 1996 recently and I must say it was very impressive. The bottle comes nicely packaged in a carrying case to match the jet black sleek bottle.

As far as the flavor profile, this champagne was very floral and so crisp. Every sip I took was a pleasure. If you have the chance to pick up a La Grande Dame Vintage 1996 or any other bottle from the La Grande Dame line, don’t pass it up.