2008 CHARLES HEIDSIECK, Brut Millésimé. Champagne

Bin: 45

Alcohol Percentage: 12.5%

Area: 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. This is a blend of ten Grand and Premier Crus (Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Cuis, Verzy, Aÿ, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières and Avenay).

Grape Variety: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay; aged in bottle on the lees for 10 years to get the nutty complexity unique to mature Champagne.

Producer: 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 whilst most houses are on 2008 or later.

Food Match: A very special wine for a special occasion and so the finest food - scallops or lobster - might be appropriate.

Old Bridge Rating: Now the leading 'Grande Marque' house for mature styles. This has toasty richness finely balanced by firm freshness - top quality by any standards.