Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2014
The vintage Blanc des Millénaires champagne is Charles Heidsieck's flagship cuvée and one of the very best examples of vintage Blanc de Blancs from Champagne. Only Chardonnay is used in this exceptionally textured cuvéeIt which is a blend of five of the most celebrated Champagne crus from the Côte des Blancs; Oger, Mesnil-sur Oger, Avize, Cramant and Vertus. In the 19th century, convinced that they would be an ideal place to age wine, Charles Heidsieck decided to purchase chalk cellars dating back to Gallo-Roman times, located in the historic heart of Reims. This audacious decision turned out to be a stroke of genius since these cellars proved to be a peaceful haven where the humidity and 10°C temperature remain constant. An extraordinary ageing period of almost 11 years, gives this 100% Chardonnay cuvée an unparalleled complexity and texture. A radiant champagne with an elegant stream of bubbles, the 2014 Blanc des Millénaires delivers remarkable freshness and a purity of Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs. At first offering fresh minerality and salinity on the nose, it then opens up to citrus and kiwi notes before expressing classic tertiary aromas which define the house style; puff pastry, brioche, dates and dried apricots. On the palate the wine offers great depth and is defined by an elegance derived from the exceptional Chardonnay grapes. A remarkable voluptuous texture and seemingly never-ending finish.