Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires 2007

Description

Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original 'Champagne Charlie', the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year. This success is attributable to the strength and depth of their winemaking team over the past three decades: Daniel Thibault, Régis Camus, Thierry Roset and Cyril Brun have between them been awarded 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge sixteen times. No other house has won more than twice. Cyril Brun took over as Chef de Cave in 2015. The winemaking philosophy is simple, and is evident in the Brut Réserve: grapes are sourced from 60 different ‘crus’ across the region; fermentation and ageing of the base wines takes place primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Meunier, including at least 40% reserve wines, the average age of which is 10 years; and finally, the Brut Réserve is aged in bottle on its lees for at least three years prior to release. These components combine to give a wine that is more 'Premium Cuvée' than 'Brut Réserve'.

The masterpiece from Charles Heidsieck is, however, the Blanc des Millénaires. Only seven vintages of this rare cuvée have been produced (1983,1985,1990,1995, 2004, 2006 and 2007, the current release). Made of the best Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Cramant, Avize, Oger, le-Mesnil-Sur-Oger and Vertus).

The 2007, released in March 2022, is a fabulous vintage showcasing saline minerality and exceptional texture that is the hallmark of any Blanc des Millénaires, this cuvée balances bright acidity and citrus character with gentle toasted, smoky notes. Both fresh and generous on the palate, the silky, creamy texture follows through to a remarkably complex and persistent finish. Blanc des Millénaires 2007 carries all the vivacity, maturity and exceptional ageing potential of an outstanding vintag

Winemaker, Cyril Brun stated that it is a dangerous wine as you will drink it too quickly. He is right but my word this will become a wine of beauty over the next two decades, it is focused with bright spices, vibrant and exciting. Gentle pineapple, hints of white florals, chalk, tropical citrus more yuzu and clementine than lemon, on the back there is some creamy, vanilla, crisp biscuit feel, balanced with the racy freshness, hints of caramel, quince and meringue on finish. A wine that will evolve and display different nuances and flavours as it matures into adulthood – worth buying a case or two and watch it bloom. Blanc des Millénaires 2007 was disgorged July 2021 after more than 13 years on lees. Roger Jones, The Buyer

95 points. 100% Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Vertus. The new Blanc des Millénaires presents the very best of the 2007 vintage, one that shows an intense, bristling kind of energy for Chardonnay. A compressed, tight core of chalky, pure flavours – green plum, charred peel, white flowers – with a lick of sea salt. Tasted again in November 2022, this cuvée showed richer sourdough and butter profile, suggesting it is opening up fairly obligingly. Much more focus than the 2006, yet more attitude than the serenely attractive 2004. timatkin.com