Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millénaires 2006
PL Award 1: Trophy - IWC 2017 PL Award 2: Trophy - DWWA 2017
PL Award 3: Gold - IWC 2017 PL Award 4: Trophy - IWC 2016
PL Award 5: Trophy - DWWA 2016 PL Award 6: Gold - IWC 2016
Country: France Region: Champagne
Varietal: Sparkling (Champagne style)
Category: Champagne Colour: White
Producer: Charles Heidsieck
"Charles Heidsieck is one of the great names of Champagne, and produces some of the finest of all Champagnes. Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original 'Champagne Charlie', the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year. This success is attributable to the strength and depth of their winemaking team over the past three decades: Daniel Thibault, Regis Camus and Thierry Rosset have between them been awarded 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge fifteen times. No other house has won more than twice.
This winning philosophy has been inherited by the new chef de cave, Cyril Brun, who took over in 2015 following Thierry Roset's untimely death in October 2014. The foundation stones of this philosophy are quite simple, and are evident in the Brut Reserve: fermentation and ageing in stainless steel – no oak is used in any of the wines; the wines come from 60 'crus' in Champagne in order to focus the flavours in the final blend; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier; there is 40% reserve wine in the blend; the average age of the reserve wine is 10 years; and the wine is aged on its lees for at least five years prior to release. These components combine to give a wine that is more 'premium cuvee' than brut reserve, and accounts for its success at this year's competitions, where it once again won numerous awards.
The Rosé Réserve is pale in colour and delicately scented on the nose. The fruit comes primarily from top villages like Riceys, Ambonnay and Aÿ. The 2005 Brut Millésimé is a classic, combining richness and freshness with elegance and length. In a similar vein, the 2006 Rosé Millésimé is floral with a character of fresh raspberries and rosehip that give way to lovely intensity on the palate, which finishes dry and long.
The masterpiece from Charles Heidsieck is, however, the 1995 Blanc de Millénaires, one of the most garlanded of all Champagnes. An elegant and distinctive Blanc de Blancs, it was described by Thierry Roset, who made the wine early in his career, as 'the greatest wine I ever made, because the grapes were so good it made itself.'
In a world of large houses and luxury brands, it is reassuring that Charles Heidsieck, the smallest of all the grandes marques, is once again family owned and striving to build upon its already fabled reputation."
Product Features: Sustainable;Vegetarian
Winemaker: Thierry Roset
Vineyards:
The 1995 Blanc des Millénaires is a blend of Chardonnay from five crus: Cramant for complexity and ageability, Avize for verve and minerality, Oger for creaminess and weight, Mesnil-sur-Oger for balance and Vertus for floral freshness.
Vinification:
After fermentation, the wine is racked to separate the lees and then undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity. After blending the different crus, the wine is bottled and selected yeast added for the second fermentation. The bottles are placed in the cellar at a temperature of 10°C, and aged for at least 15 years before release.
Tasting Notes:
Exceptional. This displays all the noble characteristics of mature Chardonnay and its incredible potential for ageing. Pale gold colour with pale green hues. The bouquet is balanced with a richness and distinct pastry aromas expressing full buttery notes, intense cinnamon and vanilla spice. Silky notes of candied apricots, quince and dried fruits, hazelnuts and almonds.
Closure: Natural Cork ABV: 12% Classification: AOC Acidity [g/l]: 6.88
