2005 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

Grape Variety: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay; aged in bottle for 6 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 2005 or 2006

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

Press Reviews: 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright gold. Smoke-accented orchard fruits, herbs and citrus pith on the the intensely perfumed nose. Deeply pitched but lively on the palate, with very good depth to its intense pear and lemon curd flavors. The smoky note builds on the back half and carries through a long, sappy, impressively focused finish. This year's release seems tighter and more youthful than last year's version".