Charles Heidsieck: a selection of Champagnes
Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires 2004 96 £ 123.80-£ 174 Exel, Harrods, Hedonism, Jeroboams, Lea & Sandeman, Liberty Wines, Millésima, The Finest Bubble The 2004 follows the legacy of the remarkable 1995. Grapes from four grands crus (Avize, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger) and the premier cru Vertus. Purity, richness and tension too, with brioche and leesy characters and a hint of lemon. Dense and textured, yet elegant with a real taste of chalk and a very long finish. Spending 11 years on lees, it was disgorged in November 2016. Drinking well now, but one to leave in the cellar for some time. Drink 2020-2028 Alcohol 12.5%
Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires 1995 95 £ 114.30-£ 194.95 Exel, Fortnum & Mason, Hedonism, Laithwaite’s, Lea & Sandeman, Liberty Wines,
Millésima, The Finest Bubble The last batch of 1995 was disgorged in summer 2017, after spending 21 years on lees. ‘Jetted’ to revive it after disgorgement, it has a new lease of life. A refreshing young Champagne with pure chalkiness and lemon intensity. Cries out for oysters.
Drink 2018-2023 Alc 12.5% Charles Heidsieck, Blanc de Blancs NV 94 £57.70-£75 Clos & Cru, Exel, Fine & Rare, Handford, Lea & Sandeman, Liberty Wines, The Finest Bubble Launched in May 2018, this new cuvée was inspired by the very first blanc de blancs produced by the house in 1947, well before this style became fashionable. Based on the 2012 harvest, with 20% reserve wine dating back to 2005, this is not a baby version of Blanc des Millénaires, but more of an aperitif style. Fresh, pure and elegant with aromas of white peach, grapefruit and some floral notes. There’s beautiful salinity on the palate, with the acidity melting into the wine with a chalky sensation and creaminess on the finish. Drink 2020-2023 Alc 12.5% Charles Heidsieck, Brut Réserve NV 93 £36.67-£48.99 Carruthers & Kent, Exel, Fine & Rare, Fortnum & Mason, Handford, Harrods, Jeroboams, Laithwaite’s, Lea & Sandeman, Liberty Wines, Millésima, The Finest Bubble , WoodWinters One of the best value grandes marques on the market, a blend of 60 crus, with roughly a third each of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, vinified individually by cru and variety, in stainless steel. Compared to other grandes marques, it is high (40%) in reserve wines, averaging 10 years old and dating back to 1990. Quite a floral style with lemon sherbet intensity and bready, leesy characters. It has great concentration and complexity, with a lovely grip of acidity on the finish.
Drink 2020-2025 Alc 12.5%
Charles Heidsieck, Rosé 2005 92 £73.33-£ 118 Carruthers & Kent, Exel, Fine & Rare, Handford, Harrods, Hedonism, Jeroboams, Liberty Wines, Millésima,
The Finest Bubble For the first time in the maison’s history, the vintage release was switched, with 2006 released before 2005 which was considered austere and closed. Now the 2005 has turned into an impressively gastronomic style, with red berry fruit and amazing depth and concentration. Richness gives an oak impression but it is 100% stainless steel. Made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, with 8% of red wine. Still compact, but with time it will flourish even more. Drink 2020-2023 Alc 12.5%