Blanc des Millénaires 1995 - The fantastic story behind a legendary champagne

Becoming a legend 

 

For the first time in 1993, Charles Heidsieck offered the Blanc des Millénaires in its prestigious 1983 vintage. It is period in which the desire to create a style and the expertise in producing Blanc de blancs champagnes was at its height (the oldest being from 1949). Since then, the House has only unveiled four vintages from its highly lauded Blanc de Blancs: 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2004.

A VARIATION ON GREAT CHARDONNAYS

Only Chardonnay is used in the blend of this exceptionally textured cuvée. From amongst the fabulous range offered by the Champagne region, 5 major Crus from the Côte des Blancs have been meticulously chosen for their ability to evolve as well as for their ability to express their full richness once fully mature: Oger for its unctuousness and structure, Mesnil-sur-Oger for balance, Avize for its minerality, Cramant for its complexity and Vertus for its freshness and floral notes.

The masterpiece from the Côte des Blancs... as Charles would say 

To the eye

A shimmering golden robe highlighted by delicate effervescence

To the nose  

Elegant notes of lemon, apple blossoms, salted butter and almonds along with a toasted, buttery nuance of crème anglaise.

On the palate

An initial palate of fresh citrus gives the wine a taut crispness, followed by a gradually persistent force and intensity. The mouthfeel is dynamic and perfectly structured with a long and well-rounded finish. The Blanc des Millénaires style far surpasses the 2004 vintage. The rich texture is rooted in a vintage still young and taut: the refined elegant effervescence reveals a still juvenile minerality.