Champagne Charles HEIDSIECK
Brut Millésimé
- 2012
- Champagne
In 2011, the Descours family took over this old House (1851) with the aim of restoring it to its 19th century glory. The gamble paid off, and was widely acclaimed by the critics: "Charles Heidsieck richly deserves to be considered one of today's most brilliant brands" for Mr Bettane, "Heidsieck is back in the limelight with a complete range of top-class wines" for the Revue du Vin de France.
Predominantly Chardonnay, the 'Charles' style is based on elegance and, above all, great freshness tempered by long maturation (from 5 years for the Brut Réserve to 15 years for the Blanc des Millénaires) in their famous chalk pits near Reims. Throughout the range, there's no trace of oxidation, no rancio, just an extreme smoothness. Great art!
Rated 16/20 by the Revue du Vin de France « Beautiful, toasty hazelnut bouquet; full, vinous mouthfeel. » (December 2016)
Rated 92/100 by the Revue du Vin de France « This 2012 is beautifully fleshed out, with a seductive envelope. The style is consensual, with a slightly restrained texture and finish. We'd like it to be freer. Nonetheless, it remains a safe bet. » (December 2022)
- To keep or to drink :
- Ready to drink
- Apogée :
- 2022-2032
From the same producer
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In 2011, the Descours family took over this old House (1851) with the aim of restoring it to its 19th century glory. The gamble paid off, and was widely acclaimed by the critics: "Charles Heidsieck richly deserves to be considered one of today's most brilliant brands" for Mr Bettane, "Heidsieck is back in the limelight with a complete range of top-class wines" for the Revue du Vin de France.
Predominantly Chardonnay, the 'Charles' style is based on elegance and, above all, great freshness tempered by long maturation (from 5 years for the Brut Réserve to 15 years for the Blanc des Millénaires) in their famous chalk pits near Reims. Throughout the range, there's no trace of oxidation, no rancio, just an extreme smoothness. Great art!The “Brut Réserve” cuvée in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 91/100 “The Brut Réserve, comprising 50% reserve wines, the oldest of which are 25 years old, is a model to follow, with its beautiful toasty patina, notes of nuts, vinosity and deep body. It would be perfect for a brut sans année with a slightly lower dosage”.
La Revue du Vin de France (December 2023): 91-92/100 “The Charles Heidsieck style is there, with its marked aromas of brioche, toast and toasted bread. [...] It offers fullness, depth and a beautiful vinosity provided by its 50% reserve wines.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2023-2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12%
-
In 2011, the Descours family took over this old House (1851) with the aim of restoring it to its 19th century glory. The gamble paid off, and was widely acclaimed by the critics: "Charles Heidsieck richly deserves to be considered one of today's most brilliant brands" for Mr Bettane, "Heidsieck is back in the limelight with a complete range of top-class wines" for the Revue du Vin de France.
Predominantly Chardonnay, the 'Charles' style is based on elegance and, above all, great freshness tempered by long maturation (from 5 years for the Brut Réserve to 15 years for the Blanc des Millénaires) in their famous chalk pits near Reims. Throughout the range, there's no trace of oxidation, no rancio, just an extreme smoothness. Great art!The “Brut Réserve” cuvée in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 91/100 “The Brut Réserve, comprising 50% reserve wines, the oldest of which are 25 years old, is a model to follow, with its beautiful toasty patina, notes of nuts, vinosity and deep body. It would be perfect for a brut sans année with a slightly lower dosage”.
La Revue du Vin de France (December 2023): 91-92/100 “The Charles Heidsieck style is there, with its marked aromas of brioche, toast and toasted bread. [...] It offers fullness, depth and a beautiful vinosity provided by its 50% reserve wines.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2023-2030
-
In 2011, the Descours family took over this old House (1851) with the aim of restoring it to its 19th century glory. The gamble paid off, and was widely acclaimed by the critics: "Charles Heidsieck richly deserves to be considered one of today's most brilliant brands" for Mr Bettane, "Heidsieck is back in the limelight with a complete range of top-class wines" for the Revue du Vin de France.
Predominantly Chardonnay, the 'Charles' style is based on elegance and, above all, great freshness tempered by long maturation (from 5 years for the Brut Réserve to 15 years for the Blanc des Millénaires) in their famous chalk pits near Reims. Throughout the range, there's no trace of oxidation, no rancio, just an extreme smoothness. Great art!Le Rosé Réserve had M. Bettane (guide 2017) write "A must. If you should only drink a Champagne rosé, this is it".
The “Rosé Réserve” cuvée in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 92/100 “Ample, gourmand, with a comfortable, sapid finish.”
Vinous (A.Galloni - November 2020): 90/100 “NV Rosé Réserve is an attractive, aperitif-style rosé to drink now and over the next few years, as long as the flavors remain lively.”
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2016): 15.5/20 “Unsurprisingly, this cuvée shares opinions on its demonstrative, creamy character.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2023-2027
- Potential alcohol:
- 12%
-
In 2011, the Descours family took over this old House (1851) with the aim of restoring it to its 19th century glory. The gamble paid off, and was widely acclaimed by the critics: "Charles Heidsieck richly deserves to be considered one of today's most brilliant brands" for Mr Bettane, "Heidsieck is back in the limelight with a complete range of top-class wines" for the Revue du Vin de France.
Predominantly Chardonnay, the 'Charles' style is based on elegance and, above all, great freshness tempered by long maturation (from 5 years for the Brut Réserve to 15 years for the Blanc des Millénaires) in their famous chalk pits near Reims. Throughout the range, there's no trace of oxidation, no rancio, just an extreme smoothness. Great art!The cuvée Blanc des Millénaires is made with 100% chardonnay.
Le Blanc des Millénaires received two successive coups de coeur ♥ from the Hachette guide, for its 2006 and 2007.
Rated 93/100 by La Revue du Vin de France « Une attaque construite soyeusement, un coeur de bouche à l'étoffe gourmande. La finale est élégante. » (December 2022)
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2032
-
In 2011, the Descours family took over this old House (1851) with the aim of restoring it to its 19th century glory. The gamble paid off, and was widely acclaimed by the critics: "Charles Heidsieck richly deserves to be considered one of today's most brilliant brands" for Mr Bettane, "Heidsieck is back in the limelight with a complete range of top-class wines" for the Revue du Vin de France.
Predominantly Chardonnay, the 'Charles' style is based on elegance and, above all, great freshness tempered by long maturation (from 5 years for the Brut Réserve to 15 years for the Blanc des Millénaires) in their famous chalk pits near Reims. Throughout the range, there's no trace of oxidation, no rancio, just an extreme smoothness. Great art!The cuvée Blanc des Millénaires is made with 100% chardonnay.
Le Blanc des Millénaires received two successive coups de coeur ♥ from the Hachette guide, for its 2006 and its 2007.
Rated 92/100 by Antonio Galloni (Vinous) « The 2006 Blanc des Millenaires is a rich, punchy Champagne that captures all of the radiant intensity of this warm year. Apricot, lemon confit and tropical accents bring out the more extroverted side of Chardonnay. » (Nov. 2020)
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032