Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV (1.5L)

94 JS / 93 DE / 92+ WA / 92 WS / 92 WE / 91 VM / 17 JR 

Decanter Wine of the Year 2020

Remarkable depth of mature aromas - tons of candied lemon peel, dried pear and brioche - plus wonderful textural richness on the palate make this stand out amongst the regular Brut NVs. Then comes the intense and very long, mineral finish to crown this prince of the category. Based on 2016 base wines, but with 52% reserve wines, almost a third of which were 10 to 20 years of age. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

An exceptional Brut Reserve NV based on the great 2008 harvest. The intricate aromas have settled into a rare complexity of bouquet. Vanilla, toast and pâtissière flatter both nose and palate, miraculously freshened by lovely acidity. A superior aperitif champagne, ideally matched with oysters or caviar. 11g/l dosage. Disgorged in early 2017. - Michael Edwards, Decanter

Based on the 2014 vintage, complemented by fully 40% old reserve wines, the new release of Charles Heidsieck's NV Brut Réserve was disgorged earlier this year. It's showing very well, opening up in the glass with notes of green apple, dried white flowers, pear, candied peel and walnuts. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a textural attack and a racier, tighter-knit core than either the 2012- or 2010-base renditions, displaying good concentration and underlying richness. This is a bottling that continues to punch above its weight and which both merits and rewards a few years in the cellar before opening. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

This elegant Champagne is aromatic in profile, with hints of lime blossom, graphite and ground ginger accenting the crushed black currant, pastry and honey flavors. Fine and creamy in texture, offering a lively, lingering finish. Disgorged 2016. Drink now through 2022. 5,000 cases imported. - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator

This ripe Champagne is deliciously balanced between the rich white fruits and good acidity. Zingy texture gives it a crisp edge. Full, fruity and with the ability to age, it is ready to drink. - Wine Enthusiast 

(made from roughly one-third each Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; 11 g/l dosage; disgorged in 2013 after five years on its yeasts): Bright yellow. Potent smoke-tinged orchard and pit fruit aromas are complemented by notes of tarragon, toasted brioche and pungent flowers. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy pear and nectarine flavors and a bracing kick of chalky minerals. This rich yet lively Champagne finishes with very good thrust and length and repeating smokiness. - 91 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

2010 base. Disgorged March 2017, to be released at the end of 2017. No 2009 base was made so they jumped to a 2010 base. Extremely powerful nose powers out of the glass! A certain sweet creaminess on the nose. Really quite rich. Very much more rounded and welcoming than the blend based on 2008. Not that many houses have a seven-year-old NV on the market! Real bullseye for the Charles style. Tastes readier than the 2008 base – a real standout. - 17/20 Points, Jancis Robinson

*Note: reviews are for reference and may not reflect the actual disgorge date/base vintage available.