2008 Vintage Overview from Stephen Leroux
A cold previous end to 2007 from September 2007 and the winter of 2007/8 saw temperatures of -3 to -8 Celsius; Jan 2008 went even colder. The spring was very wet and cool so healthy vineyards during this time. The spring followed from a cold winter, this cool weather continued right through until June when the flowering began. In July the sunshine began and the increase in temperature saved the year.
After many years ageing in the unique and ancient Crayères acquired by its founder Charles Heidsieck, Brut Millésime reveals itself as a champagne poised between elegance and complexity, with a smooth texture and great length on the palate. Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2008 is a blend of ten Grands Crus and Premiers Crus meticulously selected by the House, expressing magnificent minerality, intensity and acidity. This exceptional cuvée was aged for ten years in Gallo-Roman Crayères. True to the Charles Heidsieck style, Millésimé 2008 already displays all the elegance and power of an outstanding vintage, qualities which will only be enhanced with time.
Charles Heidsieck 2008 is a very small release compared to the previous 2006, only 2500 cases have been produced, less than half of what a typical vintage would be. We expect 2008 to sell out very quickly.
| Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésime 2008 – 18+/20 40% CH, 60% PN | Lees Ageing: 10 Years | Disgorged: February 2019 | Dosage: 8 g/l This is my second taste of Charles 2008 and a very different experience to the preview back in June where I only scored it 16.5/20. At the launch event I tasted 2008 from three different bottles and they all had real freshness and precision with some with distinct chalky notes. Most prominent is the ripe pear and lemon richness on the palate. The 10 years lees ageing has added a roundness and fullness to the mid palate. The freshness on the palate comes from lots of green apples and some hints of grassy character coming through. As the wine develops in the glass lemon sherbet and mineral chalky characters come forward. A lifted finish from salinity. |
Available to buy now
Under Bond Introductory offer: £470.00 per 6*75cl case
Mix Six Retail Price: £104.95 per bottle
Please contact us if you are interested in 5+ cases.
Other noticeable 2008 releases recently have been Laurent-Perrier 2008 and Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2008.
Prices correct 25th September 2019 – Subject to change
Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésime 2008 in new design gift box
Charles Heidsieck range tasted at the 2008 launch event. Including 2005 en magnum, 1989 Collection Crayeres Jeroboam.
