Growing season 2008 was only the third year of the decade to be worthy of Veuve Clicquot vintage. An exceptional quality of harvest between mid September and early October, in perfect weather, delivered Pinot Noir of splendid minerality, Chardonnay of intense refinement. A choice component is treated to a term of age in small Allier and Vosges oak casks, imparting developed fruit flavours and savoury, spiced complexity, baked vanilla and enticing almond toastyness. Opulent boulangerie characters from the extended maturation in bottle on lees.