Gift box stock is available from May 2018

Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 2004

£146.00

Per Bottle
£146.00

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Description & Technical Information

Charles Heidsieck's prestige cuvée is a blend of pure Chardonnay from just five different Crus: Avize for verve and minerality; Cramant for complexity and ageability; Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for balance; Oger for creaminess and weight; and Vertus for floral freshness. An absolute masterpiece from the Côte des Blancs, this cuvée spends more than fifteen years maturing in the heart of Charles Heidsieck's two-thousand-year-old chalk cellars. Such an outstanding creation deserves an exceptional case: the gift box, which mirrors the curves of the crayères cellars after which it is named (Blanc des Millénaires, or 'White of Millenia'), echoes the nobility of this location where nothing counts except time itself.

Weather: The 2004 vintage saw an initial winter of mild temperatures with intermittent storms and hail. The spring and summer months were hot and sunny and the sugar levels late in September produced good quality fruits. A huge harvest in general for the region. Overall many experts believe that 2004 is one of the greatest vintages of the last two decades.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: Grand Cru | Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger & 1er Cru Vertus
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Ageing: 11.5 years on the lees
Disgorged: November 2016
Dosage: 9 g/l
Cork: Mytik Diam Technological
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: A light golden colour with initial rich apple notes on the nose. The palate is light and delicate with caramel and hints of spice. The texture is rich with a chalky mouthfeel. Plenty of orchard fruits and plum. Pineapple hints right through to a long lingering finish. Stunning.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Overview

Expert Reviews

97/100

Michael Edwards MW

“It says much that Charles Heidsieck went for the 2004, not the richer 2002, as the long-awaited successor to the epic 1995 Millenaires - the '04 has an admirable beauty and finesse in the classic mould that fits the style of this wine so well. It's an intriguing blend of great Chardonnays from Oger, Mesnil, Avize and Cramant, but also from Vertus, a premier cru punching above its weight. Vanilla and butter flatter this wine famously, but there's no oak. It has controlled richness, with precision and purity ruling over the green and tropical fruits. A magnificent champagne with impressively elegant acidity, a triumph now and for years to come.”

18.5+/20

Jancis Robinson MW

“Disgorged November 2016, and embargoed until released to sell in November 2017. All their Blanc des Millénaires go through full malo. Always 10 g/l dosage. Follow-on vintage from 1995!
Strongly green tone. Even slightly oily on the nose – dramatic. Real bite and class. Great balance. Tiny bead. Super-elegant but not wimpy. Makes you salivate. Slightly salty note on the end. Confident, persistent finish”

Awards

News Articles

Charles Heidsieck: 2018 Vins Clairs Tasting

April 2, 2019
"The wines in 2018 were good overall. Some were exceptional... some over-mature." Charles Heidsieck Chef de Cave, Cyril Brun, was slightly more cautious than other winemakers regarding the potential of 2018. We tasted a range of vins clairs and reserve wines with the always engaging winemaker at the cellars in Reims.
David Kermode Discovers Charles Heidsieck's 'Finest Bubbles'

August 5, 2018
A 'Champagne Charlie' in another life himself, wine journalist David Kermode attended our Charles Heidsieck Dinner and Tasting at Frederick's last week to sample a range of new and old vintages from this reformed house. Read his report for The Buyer here.
Charles Heidsieck Dinner with Stephen Leroux

August 3, 2018
This week, Director of Charles Heidsieck Stephen Leroux hosted our Charles Heidsieck Dinner and Tasting at Frederick's, Islington. With an expertly paired champagne/food menu and a rare magnum of Brut Millésime 1983 to taste, it was a night to remember.
Vintage Overviews
Grand & Premier Crus Explained