THE crayères collection
Charles heidsieck
Blanc des Millénaires 1996
a signature in chalk
To discover the Charles Heidsieck Crayères Collection, is like travelling back in time through legendary wines.
Blanc des Millénaires 1996 is a rare masterpierce that symbolizes the quintessence of patience and Champagne craftmanship. Only 4000 bottles of this vintage still remain today.
They aged for several decades in the silence of the House's deep historic cellars: the thousand-year-old Crayères from which this cuvée takes its name.
1996
1996 in champagne
The vintage was marked by near-ideal weather conditions throughout the growing season with optimal sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the summer. The harvest was characterized by an optimal ripeness, intense freshness, and flavor concentration. 1996 is unanimously recognised as one of the most spectacular vintages in Champagne.
A MATURE EXPRESSION OF THE CÔTE DES BLANCS
Just five villages, one Premier Cru and four Grands Crus make up this champagne: Vertus, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant. Selected for their ability to develop and fully express their organoleptic opulence once mature, they create an extraordinary sensory composition.
After almost a quarter of century maturation, Blanc des Millénaires 1996 is finally revealing its personality.
"Blanc des Millénaires 1996 epitomizes the virtue of patience, reflecting years of meticulous craftmanship and dedication."
Elise Losfelt, Cellar Master
Blanc des Millénaires 1996
MATURE AND POWERFUL
TO THE EYE
A golden robe with amber highlights, animated by fine and dynamic bubbles.
ON THE NOSE
The nose is open and generous, offering aromas of mature wine: chestnut honey, gingerbread, pecans, saffron and warm butter emerge. The bouquet evolves towards fresher notes of mandarin.
ON THE PALATE
The tasting’s aromas confirm the nose, also revealing smoky black tea and roasted flavours on the finish. The palate is unmistakably 1996, with a powerful, warm, and taut personality.