1985 Charles Heidsieck Crayeres Rose, Champagne

1985 Charles Heidsieck Crayères Rosé is an extraordinary and deeply historic Champagne, representing one of the rarest and most profound expressions ever released by the house. This wine was matured for decades in Charles Heidsieck’s legendary chalk cellars, the Crayères, Roman era chalk quarries cut deep beneath the streets of Reims that provide constant cool temperatures and high humidity. These conditions are ideal for long aging, allowing Champagne to evolve slowly and gracefully. The 1985 vintage itself was warm and generous, producing ripe fruit with sufficient structure to reward extended cellaring, and this Rosé has become a benchmark for how complex and timeless mature Champagne can be.

Charles Heidsieck is one of Champagne’s great historic houses, founded in 1851 and built on a philosophy of patience, richness and depth. Often referred to as Champagne Charlie, Charles Heidsieck forged strong links with international markets and was renowned for his belief that great Champagne needed time to reach its full expression. That philosophy lives on today, with the house famed for its extended lees aging and small library releases. The Crayères Rosé is an exceptionally rare cuvée, produced in very limited quantities and released only after decades of maturation, showcasing the house’s commitment to preserving Champagne as a living, evolving wine rather than a fleeting luxury.

In the glass the wine shows a deep copper rose colour with amber highlights, a visual testament to its long evolution. Aromas are hauntingly complex, unfolding in layers of dried strawberry, blood orange, rose petal, candied citrus peel and redcurrant, followed by notes of toasted brioche, hazelnut, honey, spice, leather and subtle smoky chalk. The palate is silky and fully integrated, with fine, persistent mousse supporting flavours of dried red fruits, citrus oil, almond, mushroom and savoury umami depth. Despite its age, there is remarkable freshness and balance, with acidity carrying the wine through an exceptionally long, resonant finish.

This is a Champagne for contemplation and celebration, sublime with dishes such as duck, game birds, aged cheeses or simply on its own. It stands as a profound example of Champagne’s capacity for longevity and complexity, and a rare opportunity to experience the full expression of time, terroir and tradition. 1985 Charles Heidsieck Crayères Rosé is not just a wine, but a piece of Champagne history.