Charles HeidsieckBrut Reserve

Very impressive for a "regular" non-vintage Brut, not only in terms of aromatic complexity - candied citrus, dried peach and fresh mirabelle plus a hint of bread dough - also in terms of texture, the creamy, rich and crisp sides of the wine neatly interlocking. Long, structured finish. A cuvee that´s half 2018 and half reserve wines, some of which are a couple of years old, but many of them are five- to 10-years-old, with several over 10-years-old. Drink or hold.

One of the best value grandes marques on the market, a blend of 60 crus, with roughly a third each of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, vinified individually by cru and variety, in stainless steel. Compared to other grandes marques, it is high (40%) in reserve wines, averaging 10 years old and dating back to 1990. Quite a floral style with lemon sherbet intensity and bready, leesy characters. It has great concentration and complexity, with a lovely grip of acidity on the finish.

This nonvintage Champagne shows the hallmark of the producer. With its 50% reserve wines to bring out maturity, the wine is full of fruit, touched by toast. Drink this fine bottling now.

It’s 100% Grand and Premier Cru selected from 60 separate crus, with 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier. Three years on lees and disgorged with a dosage of 10 g/litre. Beautiful balance here with subtle toast, pear and white peach with a hint of cherry and some nice citrus notes. Lovely weight with good acidity balanced by quite a high dosage. This is complex and likeable at the same time.

The Charles Heidsieck NV Brut Réserve is elaborated with 150 different wines from most of 60 crus. This is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier with 50% of reserve wines. Disgorged in 2022 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, it has a delicate bouquet with aromas of orchard fruit, apricot, warm biscuits, praline, pastry and lemon hints. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and fleshy, the palate is charming with lively acids and a chalky finish. It’s approachable now but also evolving with grace.

Firm acidity defines this rich, well-integrated Champagne, with aromas and flavors of toasted brioche and grilled nut, white peach and cherry fruit, coffee liqueur and grated ginger. Like a cashmere scarf, there´s a pleasing plushness to the mouthfeel, wrapping the structured frame in fine tailoring. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

The NV Champagne Reserve Brut is based on the 2018 vintage plus 50% reserve wine going back to 1998, which adds substantial depth to the entry wine in this range. Composed of 40% each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and 20% Meunier, the wine pours a youthful golden hue and is rounded and ripe with classic aromas of lemon curd, toasted brioche, and fresh peach. Full-bodied and supple, this continues to the palate with ripe and juicy mouth-filling fruit, a refined and pillowy mousse, and notes of orange marmalade on the finish. It’s a benchmark style that holds its own and will drink well over the coming 10 years. Drink 2024-2034. 9 grams per liter dosage.