Wine Advisor
Charles Heidsieck, Blanc de Millenaires Brut 2004
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Disgorged in November 2017 after 13 years on the lees, the stunning 2004 Blanc des Millénaires is a worthy successor to the 1995. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of green apple, pear, brioche and fresh pastry that are framed by a lovely smoky, autolytic top note, the wine is full-bodied, ample and concentrated, with ripe acids, superb depth at the core and a textural, vinous quality while remaining very classical in profile. The finish is long and expansive. A blend of Chardonnay from Cramant, Avize, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Vertus, it saw nine grams per liter dosage. This is a terrific blanc de blancs from Charles Heidsieck that has a long and glorious future ahead of it. Sadly, the price of this cuvée has finally caught up with the quality.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2004 Blanc des Millenaires offers a striking combination of freshness and the complexity that develops in bottle. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper lend aromatic brilliance to this lithe, super-finessed Blanc des Blancs. I have long adored the 2004s from the Côtes des Blancs. The Blanc des Millenaires is another terrific example that shows just how good the best wines of the year are.
About the Producer
Charles Heidsieck Champagne was established in 1851 by the nephew of Piper-Heidsieck's owner. Charles Heidsieck's grand-uncle founded the Champagne Heidsieck et Cie House and Charles grew up in the midst of grapes, loved by his mother, Emilie Henriot, and his sisters, in a family ruled by Reims traditions. Charles became a traveller and free-spirited, smooth-talking gentleman entrepreneur, focused on his champagne business. With his distinguished charm and knack for business, he captivated America becoming a prominent figure of fashionable society in just a few months. Charles focused on making a name for himself and for his champagne - Champagne Charlie. Charles Heidsieck is one of the most awarded champagnes in the world. Its Cellar Masters have been recognized no less than twelve times as “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” over an eighteen-year period. The Champagnes themselves have also won many awards in competitions with the Brut Reserve having wone over 20 medals since 2012.
