NV Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie
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Tasting notes
The NV Champagne Cuvée Champagne Charlie is crafted from a base vintage of 2019, supplemented by 1999 and 1996. An expressive wine with a noble feel and great extract and acidity, it’s full-bodied and has a peppery mousse and a chalky texture. Revealing floral and spicy notes, as well as cherries, toasted bread, and stony earth, a fabulous intensity pervades throughout, with a long-lasting finish. Drink 2025-2055. This was cellared in 2020 and disgorged in 2024. This year, Émilien Erard has been appointed as Cellar Master of Charles Heidsieck. The shift follows Elise Losfelt’s departure to return to her family estate in the Languedoc, Château de l’Engarran. Mr. Erard has been working at the estate since 2018, alongside both Elise Losfelt and, previously, Cyril Brun. Mrs. Losfelt’s tenure oversaw the 2023 and 2024 vintages at the house. The wines for this report were tasted at the estate in Reims with CEO Stephen Leroux and Émilien Erard.
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,703 g. Labelled 'Cellared in 2020'. Mostly from the 2019 vintage with 45% reserve wines. A blend of 66% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir made up of 32% Bouzy 2019, 23% Vertus 2019, 20% Avize 2009 and 11% Cramant 1996 plus others presumably. Disgorged 2024. Dosage 8 g/l. (The magnum version will see 7 g/l and will be aged for at least 20 years.) 'If Blanc de Millenaires is the salt of the house, Champagne Charlie is the pepper', according to current chef de cave Elise Losfelt. This wine was created by her predecessor Cyril Brun, who also created the 'Cellared in 2017' cuvée. Pale greenish straw colour. Complex nose but still with very youthful zest and a hint of lime. Lots going on underneath. I'd cellar this glamorous, creamy blend for a while. (JR)
Cellared 2017. The first of these prestige cuvées, with Charlie himself on the (somehow not obviously prestige cuvée) label, since 1985. 80% top reserve wines, the remainder 2016. Very opulent nose. And then it opens out to a rather glorious fan of flavours. Lovely balance and intrigue. Very long. Filigree texture with different flavours bouncing around. More mineral than fruity. (JR)
About the producer
Founded by the original “Champagne Charlie”, Champagne Charles Heidsieck is one of the region’s smaller Houses but also one of its most quality-focused. From its Brut Réserve to its prestige cuvée, Blanc des Millénaires, the wines are rich, vinous and complex.