Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004
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. On the nose, the Blanc des Millénaires 2004 opens with elegant notes of lemon, apple blossoms, salted butter and almonds along with a toasted, buttery nuance of crème anglaise. The palate is full of fresh citrus flavours giving the wine a taut crispness. Still youthful and taut with an elegant mousse.