Paying homage to his historic cellars,
Charles Heidsieck unveils its greatest treasure to œnophiles through a Collection called “Crayères”. Just like an old tome where every page recounts dazzling quests, an Œnothèque 
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, whoever is lucky enough to enjoy these precious jewels can boast of experiencing the dream
of travelling through time.

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. This unique setting, carved into chalk over two thousand years ago, is now a World Heritage Site.

Discovering the Charles Heidsieck Crayères Collection is like traveling through time with legendary wines. As they mature, new bottles are offered each year to dedicated enthusiasts—a collection that, like the Maison’s wines, unfolds over time.

1995 IN CHAMPAGNE 

For a long time left in the shadows of 1996, 1995 has proven amore classic and undoubtedly more consistent vintage despite itsmore understated nature. It was the best season the Champagneregion had seen since 1990 thanks to a hot, dry summer whichaccelerated ripening, coupled with a late, sun-soaked harvestwhich offered a good maturity of 9.2% potential alcohol andnormal acidity.

BLEND:

60%  Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

TASTING

TO THE EYE: This champagne boasts a golden robe with amberhues, testament to its period of extended ageing. Fine, delicate bubbles rise to the surface with discreet elegance to form a fine, persistent string of bubbles.

 

ON THE NOSE: Smoked, coffee notes intermingle with intenseaccents of toasted cacao. These are joined by aromas of driedyellow fruit, which develop slowly to lend the wine a gourmand,sun-drenched touch. On the bouquet, a subtle interplay of spicesand garrigue elevates the ensemble.

 

ON THE PALATE: Full-bodied and generous on the attack, withbeautiful density. Its power is counterbalanced with a surprising freshness, which is much more pronounced than it first appears on the nose. An unfurling of juicy fruit flavous offers a vibrant, indulgent texture. A saline touch mingles with bursts of clementine for a flavourful and refined finish that lingers on the palate.

1985 IN CHAMPAGNE

This year is etched into vine growers’ memoriesas an exceptional ideal harvest in terms of quality,despite record freezing temperatures over winter(-30°C for several days), which devastated partof the Champagne region’s vines.

Fortunately, beautiful weather from 1st Julyallowed the grapes to develop a wonderful richness.The Chardonnays in particular ripened beautifully, becoming refined and elegant. 

One can imagine the patience requiredat the time to allow the wines to reachtheir full potential.

BLEND:

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

 

TASTING

TO THE EYE: The wine presents a deep golden robe, with fine bubbles rising gently to the surface.

 

ON THE NOSE: The initial nose reveals a complex aromaticpalette. Very ripe yellow fruits, including mirabelle plums and damson, are accompanied by candied and dried fruit aromas, along with a hint of chestnut and hazelnut and notes of cacao and cinnamon. Pastry aromas, namely golden brioche, praline and honey, gradually unfold for a sensation of sweetness. Sweet spices, such as ginger, nutmeg and and cinnamon, complete the olfactory profile.

 

ON THE PALATE: The champagne is characterised by itsremarkable vibrancy, with a lively attack and structure underpinned by subtle saltiness. The aromatic persistence offers magnificent length on the finish.

1985 IN CHAMPAGNE

This year is etched into vine growers’ memoriesas an exceptional ideal harvest in terms of quality,despite record freezing temperatures over winter(-30°C for several days), which devastated partof the Champagne region’s vines.

Fortunately, beautiful weather from 1st Julyallowed the grapes to develop a wonderful richness.The Chardonnays in particular ripened beautifully, becoming refined and elegant. 

One can imagine the patience requiredat the time to allow the wines to reachtheir full potential.

BLEND:

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

TASTING

TO THE EYE: The wine presents a deep golden robe, with fine bubbles rising gently to the surface.

 

ON THE NOSE: The nose opens with ripe yellow fruits, coupled with exotic hints of passionfruit and followed by notes of candied citrus fruits and fresh citrus zest. Notes of toasted bread and sesame are then released to enhance the aromatic profile, while a mineral freshness makes its presence felt and adds tautness.

 

ON THE PALATE: Fine and elegant mouthfeel, with a sliky texture and harnessed power. Minty freshness lends the palate a hint of lightness, with roasted notes enhancing the blend as well as adding depth and complexity.

1985 IN CHAMPAGNE

This year is etched into vine growers’ memoriesas an exceptional ideal harvest in terms of quality,despite record freezing temperatures over winter(-30°C for several days), which devastated partof the Champagne region’s vines.

Fortunately, beautiful weather from 1st Julyallowed the grapes to develop a wonderful richness.The Chardonnays in particular ripened beautifully, becoming refined and elegant. 

One can imagine the patience requiredat the time to allow the wines to reachtheir full potential.

BLEND:

100% Chardonnay

TASTING

TO THE EYE:  The elegant robe presents pale golden hues. Slowly rising to the surface, the delicate bubbles form a fine line of  evanescent foam.

 

ON THE NOSE:  Showcasing remarkable freshness, the nose opens with an airy floral bouquet, revealing subtle notesfruits, namely the elegance of bergamot. White-fleshed fruits, gooseberries and juicy raisins, lend the wine a rich, fruityaspect. Pastry notes slowly unfurl, enveloping the ensemble inhints of brioche, praline, vanilla and caramel.

 

ON THE PALATE: The champagne boasts remarkable freshness.Both gourmand and mineral, it showcases a creamy, lightweightnotes of citrus fruit, as pink grapefruit adds a zingy and refreshingtouch.

1985 IN CHAMPAGNE 

This year is etched into vine growers’ memoriesas an exceptional ideal harvest in terms of quality,despite record freezing temperatures over winter(-30°C for several days), which devastated partof the Champagne region’s vines.

Fortunately, beautiful weather from 1st Julyallowed the grapes to develop a wonderful richness.The Chardonnays in particular ripened beautifully, becoming refined and elegant. 

One can imagine the patience requiredat the time to allow the wines to reachtheir full potential.

BLEND:

70% Pinot Noir,  30% Chardonnay

TASTING

TO THE EYE:  The colour oscillates between a coppery pink shadeand terracotta hues. Fine, delicate bubbles form an elegant stringof bubbles, highlighting a subtle, persistent effervescence.

 

ON THE NOSE:  The nose opens on notes of candied citrus fruits, with blood orange lending the aromatic profile a beautiful intensity. As the aromas unfold they develop greater depth, revealing spicyaccents of clove and a nutty element.

 

ON THE PALATE: From the attack, the radiant freshness of the wine contrasts with great power on the palate. The slightly tannic finish adds depth and character to the ensemble.