I'm sure many are familiar with this wine. But here are some notes for you all.

Like the prvious three years 1995 began with a mild and rainy winter. Budding occured between 6th and 17th of April, earlier than most years by about a week. There was frost at the end of April but none of Veuve's vineyards or contract growers were hit.

1995 was the first year since 1958 that the possibility of mildew had ever looked like it was to occur. Thankfully along with the frosts Veuve managed to avoid the dammaging effects of powdery mildew.

The harvest started on the 21st of September for Chardonnay and about a week later for Pinot Noir and Pinot meunier.

About 60% of the 95 Grande Dame is Pinot Noir as this will increase it's longevity. 1995 as a vintage was particularly ripe year but also well balanced.

Colour: Pale green gold. Delicate bead with excellent consistancy of dispersion and size.
Nose: mint and floral notes with hints of almonds and fresh citrus notes. As it developed in the glass riper vanilla notes and nougat came to the fore, rounding the nose out.
Palate: The palate is dominated by the Pinots meaty character, creating a powerful display of flavour with pro-longed structure and roundness of the wine. The finnish is clean with some mineral notes.
Overall: A very complex wine with beautiful display of intergrated fruit and acids.