CharlesHeidsieckLaCollectionCrayeresBlancdesMillenaires1990

Of the three Champagne houses named Heidsieck â€?all originating from families once related â€?Charles is the smallest and arguably, the best. Established in 1851 by the nephew of Piper-Heidsieck’s owner, Charles Heidsieck himself was the original ‘Champagne Charlieâ€?In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has provided significant finance for both Houses allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production.Today, production occurs alongside sister company Piper-Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. The Charles Heidsieck Cellars are a Unesco World Heritage site and comprise more than eight kilometres of chalk tunnels interlinking forty seven subterranean cathedrals called Crayères, reaching 30 metres high and believed to have been dug out in the 3rd century.rrAfter many years ageing in the unique and ancient Crayères acquired by its founder Charles Heidsieck, Blanc des Millenaires reveals itself as a champagne poised between elegance and complexity, with a smooth texture and great length on the palate. Extended ageing on the lees has unlocked the full potential of their aromas. Each vintage has its own signature, its own generous tone.rrWeather in 1990: Despite severe frosts in the spring, the vineyards enjoyed hotweather throughout the growing cycle. Not since 1950 had thesun been so strong; grapes had never experienced so muchsunlight. There was, however, no drought like in 1976 or 1959. Justat the perfect moment, as the situation became dire, it would rain.As a result, the vine stocks, deeply rooted in the chalky soil’s water reserves, did not suffer. The heat hindered the development of disease and parasites, leading to perfectly healthy grapes at the harvest.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru rGrape Varieties: 65% Pinot Noir & 35% ChardonnayrBottled: 1991rDisgorged: 2021rReleased: October 2024rProduction: 330 Bottles ReleasedrLees ageing: 30 YearsrDrink: Now to 2035+rrTasting Note: Surprisingly restrained aromatics, more full power on the palate with joyful rich fruit, lemon, orange and grapefruit, with a distinctly creamy soft texture. Very charming. There is a subtlety here, almost feels the youngest of the three. Below this subtle champagne, it is rich and powerful yet ends with a lightness!- Tasted by Nick Baker TFB Founder