Launch of Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Blanc de Blancs 2017 with Cellar Master Emilien Erard
An absolute masterpiece from the Côte des Blancs, this cuvée spends eight years maturing in the heart of Charles Heidsieck’s two-thousand-year-old chalk cellars. This is unusual as three winemakers all contributed to the finished champagnes; Thierry Roset was the winemaker who made the base wines and saw them through their 1st fermentation in stainless steel. His unexpected death after harvest resulted in Cyril Brun taking over the Chef de Cave role, he blended the wines in spring 2018 and disgorged by Emilien Erard choosing the Liqueur d’Expedition and dosage in July 2025.
18.5+/20 Nick Baker TFB Founder March 2026
“The 2017 harvest was super challenging for red grapes, yet for Chardonnay when I tasted them as vins clairs in spring 2018 surprised by the abundance of fruit, hints of tropical, freshness from acidity and great purity. BdM 2017 I tasted in Lehmann Synergy 60cl and it really brought forward the recent disgorgement; bundles of citrus, ripe lemon, grapefruit and hints of lychee all wrapped around a pronounced chalky core. The palate brings more citrus forward, some pithy grapefruit and hints of fresh pineapple. No shortage of freshness and a bundle of salinity give this a great finish. Super long flavours showing well for a champagne 7 months post disgorgement. FYI: 30% of the grapes are from Mesnil-sur-Oger and just over 20% from Vertus, which helps explain the mineral core of Mesnil and richness from Vertus.” Drinks well now, will benefit from at least 5 years ageing.
Technical information
Vineyards: Grand Cru | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger, Chouilly & Vertus
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Lees Ageing: 7 years
Disgorged: July 2025
Dosage: 9 g/l
