Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2013

Description

Charles Heidsieck is one of the most admired Champagne houses thanks to the unrivalled and consistently high quality of its wines. Founded in 1851 by the man who would become known as ‘Champagne Charlie’, this family-owned house is the smallest of the Grandes Marques. Their size, and commitment to excellence, has been underpinned by a winemaking team that between them have been named 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge 16 times. 

The 2013 vintage is treasured by Charles Heidsieck for its powerful and pure profile. The short heat wave had important effects on the wines. Some people will not hesitate to compare this vintage to spectacularly hot years like 1995 or 2003. Following an extremely cold winter and spring without any notable impact from frost, the short-lived summer heat waves led to a phenolic maturity that, although late, was much higher than average. The almost autumn-like conditions at the end of the maturation process postponed the harvest to mid-September, and even early October in certain sectors, which is exceptionally late when compared to harvests in recent Champagne history. Thankfully, rainfall during the harvest came just in time to amend the extraordinarily intense maturity. The wines are accordingly full-bodied and structured.

95 points, Decanter. "An alluring, detailed aroma that is reserved and layered rather than hugely outgoing at present. There’s some maturity though, a measured weight of light apricot, ripe pear and pale strawberry fruit. Delicacy is the main theme, with touches of blossom, white peach, and only a quiet praline and caramelised apple richness. Less austere than the 2008, more focused than the 2012 and already quietly harmonious, this superb 2013 closes with chalkiness and verve. This could well prove the most finely tuned of the recent Charles Heidsieck vintage releases. 57% Pinot Noir, 43% Chardonnay with nine years on lees."