Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV (750ML)

94 JS / 93 DE / 93 WE / 92+ WA / 92 WS / 92 WI / 91 VM / 16.5+ JR 

Decanter Wine of the Year 2020

Very impressive for a "regular" non-vintage Brut, not only in terms of aromatic complexity - candied citrus, dried peach and fresh mirabelle plus a hint of bread dough - also in terms of texture, the creamy, rich and crisp sides of the wine neatly interlocking. Long, structured finish. A cuvee that's half 2018 and half reserve wines, some of which are a couple of years old, but many of them are five- to 10-years-old, with several over 10-years-old. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

One of the best value grandes marques on the market, a blend of 60 crus, with roughly a third each of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, vinified individually by cru and variety, in stainless steel. Compared to other grandes marques, it is high (40%) in reserve wines, averaging 10 years old and dating back to 1990. Quite a floral style with lemon sherbet intensity and bready, leesy characters. It has great concentration and complexity, with a lovely grip of acidity on the finish. -Christelle Guibert, Decanter

Even the nonvintage cuvée from this top producer has bottle age, so the yeasty edge and touches of almonds balance with the Champagne's acidity and fruitiness of white fruits and citrus flavors. This fine poised wine is ready to drink. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

The Charles Heidsieck NV Brut Réserve is elaborated with 150 different wines from most of 60 crus. This is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier with 50% of reserve wines. Disgorged in 2022 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, it has a delicate bouquet with aromas of orchard fruit, apricot, warm biscuits, praline, pastry and lemon hints. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and fleshy, the palate is charming with lively acids and a chalky finish. It’s approachable now but also evolving with grace. - Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate

Firm acidity defines this rich, well-integrated Champagne, with aromas and flavors of toasted brioche and grilled nut, white peach and cherry fruit, coffee liqueur and grated ginger. Like a cashmere scarf, there's a pleasing plushness to the mouthfeel, wrapping the structured frame in fine tailoring. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged 2022. Drink now through 2025. 6,200 cases imported. - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator

Charles Heidsieck’s signature cuvée, the Brut Réserve NV, is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay largely Grand and Premier Cru fruit, with 20% of Pinot Meunier. The “signature” element is the high percentage of reserve wines in this non-vintage cuvée; 52% is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reserve wines that range from 12 to 23 years old, and the 48% balance is from the 2018 base vintage fermented in stainless steel, with 8-9% fermented in barrel. It is aged for 4 years and has a nine gram per liter dosage. A lovely, light golden color, it opens with notes of crème brulé and light toast that accent underlying lemon cream and white peach aromas. The light to medium-bodied palate is textured and supple with a fresh, lemony acid line spun around a rich core of honeyed stone fruit. The reserve wines lend complexity and discrete power to the long, refreshing finish. A sophisticated NV cuvée throughout. Disgorged in 2023. Lot: L230329-3073 - Sarah Mayo, Wine Independent

(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. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

'Laid in chalk cellars 2018. Disgorged in 2022.' The specially ornate label celebrating 200 years since Charles Heidsieck's birth adorned with the message '200 years of Liberty', which UK importers Liberty Wines (founded 1997) must find quite amusing. Bright pale copper colour. Youthful nose promises further evolution. (An earlier cuvée of this wine served at the end of the Tolpuddle vertical was notably deeper-flavoured.) Everything's in balance but I'd put this away for a year or two so that you can celebrate 201 or 202 years of Liberty in style. - Jancis Robinson

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