2006 CHARLES HEIDSIECK, Blanc des Millénaires. Champagne

Based in Reims, Charles Heidsieck own (or buy grapes from) 120 different vineyards. Unlike most areas, it is the blending of different ‘terroirs’ that is invariably the key to top quality Champagne.

100% Chardonnay, bottled matured ‘on its lees’ for 15 years before release

Charles Heidsieck have had a mixed history but for the last 15 years have been making outstanding wines. Since 2002 Regis Camus has been head winemaker. One of the house’s remarkable features is that it releases its wines fully mature – this is the current vintage of its “prestige” wine, whilst most houses are on 2011 or 2012.

Can be kept until 2030 if cellared carefully, but fully mature already.

Of course the price is crazy, but compared to the young and over-hyped offerings of most houses, this looks relatively good value! And it’s certainly a brilliant wine, whatever the price.

““The sixth creation of Blanc des Millénaires combines fruit from four grand cru villages (Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Avize) with Chardoonnay from the premier cru of Vertus. True to the sunny and warm year 2006, the wine comes with deep golden hued colour already upon launch. The nose is distinctly tropical with Charles Heidsieck’s hallmark toastiness emerging quickly in the glass. Beautiful coffee tones alongside candied lemon, baked pineapple and complex floral tones. The fruitiness is laudably clean and bright. The palate is round but soon after the initial feeling of richness, the wine’s minerality and high acidity kick in. The finish turns out to be long, pure and seemingly dry. An instantly open and generous Blanc des Millénaires with more complexity arising over time.” 94-96/100 – Essi Avellan MW