Paying homage to his historic cellars,
Charles Heidsieck unveils its greatest treasure to oenophiles through a Collection called “Crayères”. Just like an old tome where every page recounts dazzling quests, an OEnothèque
of staggering vintages is to be revealed in a new edition
of five incredible bottles.
Closely guarded, those Crayères, the impassive
guardians of Champagne secrets, have seen thousands
of bottles produced over the years, coddling and sheltering
them peacefully from noise and daylight.
Time, like a “fourth varietal”, has crafted the soul
of the wines in the Crayères Collection. Extended ageing
on lees has unlocked the full potential of their aromas.
Each vintage has its own signature, its own generous tone. Rooted in the highest standards and precise construction,
all promise to deliver a harmonious combination of flavours.
Selectively released, whosoever is lucky enough to enjoy these precious jewels can boast of experiencing the dream
of travelling through time.

1981 IN CHAMPAGNE, WITH CHARLES HEIDSIECK

No one could have predicted that 1981 would seechampagnes of such outstanding quality.For one thing, the vines were suffering the consequences of the harsh weather events experienced in 1980. They then had to overcome the effects of spring frosts which destroyeda quarter of the potential crop.The critical flowering period was also disappointing, resulting in only a very small harvest of an average 4,300 kg/ha at the end of September.Against all odds, upon tasting both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes proved elegant with good acidity, strength and extremely interesting aromatic ranges.Forty years later, they reveal their full potential in our champagnes, making the 1981 vintage as beautiful as it is rare.

BLEND:

100% Chardonnay

CELLARING :

1982

DISGORGEMENT:

1988

BOTTLES AVAILABLE :

251

 

TASTING

TO THE EYE: The warm golden robe is animated by vivacious, delicate effervescence.

ONTHE NOSE: The nose opens on notes of candied citrus, toasted hazelnuts and mocha, leading to more mineral aromas. Then appears a magnificent freshness with the more exotic fragrances of grapefruit and ginger.Several moments later, lush aromas of honey and nougat followed by passion fruit and pine cone round off the olfactory array.

ON THE PALATE: The Chardonnays are at their peak thanks to the vintage’s superb acidity, which imparts an astonishing freshness. The attack offers striking notes of mint and eucalyptus. Flavours of mocha and toasted bread follow, much like the unfolding drama in the second half of a play. The zestful character reminiscent of blood oranges offers the perfect finishing touch.

1981 IN CHAMPAGNE, WITH CHARLES HEIDSIECK 

No one could have predicted that 1981 would seechampagnes of such outstanding quality.For one thing, the vines were suffering the consequences of the harsh weather events experienced in 1980. They then had to overcome the effects of spring frosts which destroyeda quarter of the potential crop.The critical flowering period was also disappointing, resulting in only a very small harvest of an average 4,300 kg/ha at the end of September.Against all odds, upon tasting both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes proved elegant with good acidity, strength and extremely interesting aromatic ranges.Forty years later, they reveal their full potential in our champagnes, making the 1981 vintage as beautiful as it is rare.

BLEND:

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

CELLARING :

1982

DISGORGEMENT:

1987

AVAILABLE BOTTLES :

354

TASTING

TO THE EYE: The deep golden robe offers light coppery glints with vivacious effervescence and very delicate bubbles.

ON THE NOSE: The initial nose possesses notes of toast and mocha, followed by the typical Champagne salinity. Upon swirling the wine, notes of candied citrus (tangerine, grapefruit, ginger) and dried figs intervene to lend the wine a very youthful character.Tertiary aromas appear at the finish (truffles, undergrowth, musk) to hint at a delicious palate.

ON THE PALATE: A sensational surprise: such amazing freshness for a wine of this age! The wine then generously unfurls to reveal a silky texture and rich notes of mocha and toast.The balance of freshness and opulence make this champagne an absolute reference.

 

1981 IN CHAMPAGNE, WITH CHARLES HEIDSIECK 

No one could have predicted that 1981 would seechampagnes of such outstanding quality.For one thing, the vines were suffering the consequences of the harsh weather events experienced in 1980. They then had to overcome the effects of spring frosts which destroyeda quarter of the potential crop.The critical flowering period was also disappointing, resulting in only a very small harvest of an average 4,300 kg/ha at the end of September.Against all odds, upon tasting both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes proved elegant with good acidity, strength and extremely interesting aromatic ranges.Forty years later, they reveal their full potential in our champagnes, making the 1981 vintage as beautiful as it is rare.

BLEND:

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

CELLARING :

1982

DISGORGEMENT:

1987

AVAILABLE BOTTLES :

441

TASTING

TO THE EYE: The deep golden robe offers light coppery glints with vivacious effervescence and very delicate bubbles.

ON THE NOSE: The initial nose possesses notes of toast and mocha, followed by the typical Champagne salinity. Upon swirling the wine, notes of candied citrus (tangerine, grapefruit, ginger) and dried figs intervene to lend the wine a very youthful character.Tertiary aromas appear at the finish (truffles, undergrowth, musk) to hint at a delicious palate.

ON THE PALATE: A sensational surprise: such amazing freshness for a wine of this age! The wine then generously unfurls to reveal a silky texture and rich notes of mocha and toast.The balance of freshness and opulence make this champagne an absolute reference.

1981 IN CHAMPAGNE, WITH CHARLES HEIDSIECK 

No one could have predicted that 1981 would seechampagnes of such outstanding quality.For one thing, the vines were suffering the consequences of the harsh weather events experienced in 1980. They then had to overcome the effects of spring frosts which destroyeda quarter of the potential crop.The critical flowering period was also disappointing, resulting in only a very small harvest of an average 4,300 kg/ha at the end of September.Against all odds, upon tasting both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes proved elegant with good acidity, strength and extremely interesting aromatic ranges.Forty years later, they reveal their full potential in our champagnes, making the 1981 vintage as beautiful as it is rare.

BLEND:

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

CELLARING :

1982

DISGORGEMENT:

1987

AVAILABLE BOTTLES :

50

TASTING

TO THE EYE: The deep golden robe offers light coppery glints with vivacious effervescence and very delicate bubbles.

ON THE NOSE: The initial nose possesses notes of toast and mocha, followed by the typical Champagne salinity. Upon swirling the wine, notes of candied citrus (tangerine, grapefruit, ginger) and dried figs intervene to lend the wine a very youthful character.Tertiary aromas appear at the finish (truffles, undergrowth, musk) to hint at a delicious palate.

ON THE PALATE: A sensational surprise: such amazing freshness for a wine of this age! The wine then generously unfurls to reveal a silky texture and rich notes of mocha and toast.The balance of freshness and opulence make this champagne an absolute reference.

A SIGNATURE IN CHALK

150 years ago, Charles-Camille Heidsieck was one
of the very first founders of a Champagne House to take
the bold step of purchasing a number of authentic chalk cellars
- 47 no less - tucked away in the historic heart of Reims.
Lost cathedrals, subterranean pyramids, it is impossible
to describe the full majesty of these immense Gallo-Roman chalk cellars, the “Crayères”. This unique setting, carved into
the chalk over two-thousand years ago, is today listed
as a World Heritage Site.
In this labyrinth of galleries, the echo of time resonates
with quality. 30 meters underground, the peaceful silence
and humidity make them the perfect sanctuary in which
to leave wines from the Crayères Collection to serenely blossom, hidden away in the Charles Heidsieck cellars.
Each bottle brilliantly showcases the skill of Charles Heidsieck’s Cellar Masters; only insightful blending and the highest quality production can withstand such a test of time.
As they mature, further bottles will be opened for passionate wine-lovers. A collection which, just like the wines of the House, will unfold over time.

1985 IN CHAMPAGNE, WITH CHARLES HEIDSIECK 

The success of 1985 in Champagne was first and foremost due to the perfect health of the grapes (the cold winter helped). Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier grapes were exquisitely ripe, an auspicious sign of a potentially great vintage. The grapes were full of finesse and elegance. All signs pointed to the fact that several years of ageing would result in a stunningly opulent wine.Our champagnes are now ready to leave the cellars, offering a magnificent balance promising complexity and crispness.

BLEND:

45% Pinot Noir, 55% Chardonnay

CELLARING :

1986

DISGORGEMENT:

2020

AVAILABLE BOTTLES :

150

TASTING

TO THE EYE: The golden robe with glints of amber is illuminated by a very delicate effervescence.

ON THE NOSE: The initial nose comprises notes of liquorice, tobacco and toasted hazelnuts. Then fragrances of candied citrus and undergrowth unfurl.Finally, the typical saline notes of Champagne appear, followed by a touch of malt and smoke. The result is a complex, bewitching nose.

ON THE palate: The attack is tonic and amazingly fresh. Silky smoothness dominates the mid-palate, with the texture and lushness of a cream pastry with caramel butter. Tart, delectable notes conclude the tasting.

« Within these cellars still sparkle the  inventiveness, audacity and  inspirations of Charles-Camille Heidsieck, founder of the House.» Cyril Brun