Charles Heidsieck began producing a blanc de blancs in the 1949 vintage. Three-quarters of the Chardonnay in this bottle is from 2012, and the rest is reserve wine with an average of five years of age. The grapes were grown principally in the Côtes des Blancs (Oger, Vertus) with supplemental fruit from Villers-Marmery, Trépail, Vaudemange, and Montgueux. It was laid down in 2013 and disgorged 2019.
The result is a shiny, green-gold color with an active bead. The fragrance delivers a pop of citrus zest, chalky saltiness, and accents of roasted almonds and brioche. The palate crackles with zesty lemon fruit but deepens in notes of nut and pastry. The finish is attenuated, like drawn glass.
This wine is perfectly balanced: opulent but alive with scintillant acidity.
NV Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs Champagne
12% ABV | About $90 (sample); imported by Folio Fine Wines
