Veuve Clicquot 2002: Special Pre-Arrival Pricing

Posted by CrushWine

Crush is thrilled to announce special pre-arrival pricing for Veuve Clicquot's 2002 Vintage Champagne, to be released this fall.

Based on my experience with the wine at the estate earlier this year, I can confidently say that this is the best vintage Clicquot that has been produced in decades!

2002 is the most anticipated vintage since 1996 and collectors and connoisseurs alike have been waiting for the great releases of the luxury houses. We are proud to offer special pre-arrival pricing both for individual bottles as well as "collector's pricing" for solid cases - click here to see special pricing. Note to all: Kudos to the house of Clicquot for holding the line on pricing in the face of the rising Euro and the weakening dollar, making this a true vintage Champagne steal!

I was lucky enough to visit Veuve Clicquot during my last trip to France and I was honored to have dinner at the estate with both Cyril Brun and Giovanni Carestia who first introduced me to this fresh young beauty. Although still extremely youthful, the brightness and purity of this 2002 Clicquot guarantees that this is going to be one of the best vintage Clicquots ever. One can imagine what the spectacular 1988 must have tasted like upon its release!

The 2002 is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 7% Pinot Meunier and 33% Chardonnay sourced from 17 Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. The nose shows great purity and complexity with mineral accents, flowers, yellow fruits and creamy notes of marzipan and brioche. The palate highlights the generosity of 2002, with a very refined texture and silken notes of yellow fruit, citrus, flower oils and slight touches of spice, all with exceptional length and detail. This is a Champagne to enjoy over the next decade or two, suitable both for a toast as well as lighter dishes (fish, chicken) with more delicate sauces.

Winemaker Cyril Brun was born in the village of Ay, right in the heart of the Champagne region. With a family history in winemaking going back three generations, Cyril joined the Veuve Clicquot in 2000. As a part of Jacques Peters' winemaking team, Cyril focuses on the vinification of the legendary Bouzy Pinot Noir, used in the Maison's rosés. During my dinner with Cyril he "blinded me" with what I thought was a Grand Cru red Burgundy that turned out to be the 1989 Bouzy from Veuve Clicquot vineyards!

Robert Schagrin
Managing Partner
Crush Wine & Spirits