Reviews
Wine Advocate 95
Disgorged in November 2017 after 13 years on the lees, the stunning 2004 Blanc des Millénaires is a worthy successor to the 1995. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of green apple, pear, brioche and fresh pastry that are framed by a lovely smoky, autolytic top note, the wine is full-bodied, ample and concentrated, with ripe acids, superb depth at the core and a textural, vinous quality while remaining very classical in profile. The finish is long and expansive. A blend of Chardonnay from Cramant, Avize, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Vertus, it saw nine grams per liter dosage. This is a terrific blanc de blancs from Charles Heidsieck that has a long and glorious future ahead of it. Sadly, the price of this cuvée has finally caught up with the quality.
by WK, Wine Advocate , 2019
Wine Enthusiast 98
This is an iteration of a legendary Champagne. Perfectly balanced, still packed with white fruit but just touching nuttiness, the wine is at its peak. Celebrating one of the great Champagne vintages of this century, this wine is totally memorable and magnificent.
by RV, Wine Enthusiast , 2020
Technical Details
Description
TYPIQUEMENT CHARLES AND STANDING TRUE TO THE HOUSE'S LONG TRADITIONS AROUND BLANC DE BLANCS WINES, the Chef de Caves singled out the greatest Chardonnays for this cuvée called Blanc des Millénaires. Only four previous vintages were created under this name: 1983, 1985, 1990, and 1995. The extreme exigency which the House demands is particularly clear with this cuvée. The fabulously fresh 2004 vintage offers the beautiful patina, long finish. and silky texture so characteristic of this cuvée and this wine is as legendary as the celebrated founder of the House, Mr. Heidsieck himself.
Estate
Charles Heidsieck is the smallest of the Grandes Marques Champagne Houses. Based in the Reims region of Champagne, it is one of the best-known producers for both vintage and non-vintage cuvée. In 1851, young Charles Heidsieck founded his own Champagne house in Reims. He understood that the United States was an important emerging market, so he traversed America repeatedly north to south promoting his new brand. The stylish entrepreneur became known lovingly as “Champagne Charlie.”
Tasting notes
Shimmering and golden robe in hue with delicate effervescence, this cuvée offers elegant notes of lemon and apple blossoms with a hint of salty butter and almonds along with a toasted nuance of crème anglaise. At the onset, fresh citrus gives the wine a taut crispness which is followed by a gradual persistence and intensity. The mouthfeel is dynamic and perfectly structured with mineral tones and a long and well-rounded finish with rich texture. This 100% Chardonnay is composed of four Grands Crus: Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil sur Oger and 1 Premier Cru- Vertus.
Vineyard
Blancs des Millénaires are Blanc de Blancs produced from the best Chardonnays, deeply rooted in the unique terroir of the Côte des Blancs which owes its name to the distinctive characteristic of being made with over 95% of Chardonnay grapes.
It is a treasured gem of an area, its vineyards give birth to elegant wines with superb finesse and liveliness.
Just five of the main crus from the Côte des Blancs, comprising four Grands Crus and one Premier Cru are painstakingly selected for their ability to develop as well as to fully express their richness once mature.
The terroir of Oger for its finesse and smoothness, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for its structure, Avize for its minerality, Cramant for its complexity, and Vertus for its vibrancy and floral notes.
Vinification
In the 19th century, convinced that they would be an ideal place to age wine, Charles Heidsieck decided to purchase chalk cellars dating back to Gallo-Roman times, located in the historic heart of Reims. This audacious decision turned out to be a stroke of genius since these cellars proved to be a peaceful haven where the humidity and 10°C temperature remain constant. An extraordinary ageing period of almost 11 years, gives this 100% Chardonnay cuvée an unparallelled complexity and texture.
Vintage
It was an exceptional vintage for quality and quantity. Wines from this vintage are structured, well-balanced and have exceeded all expectations.
