2018 Charles Heidsieck Brut Millesime, Champagne

Very polished. Medium-bodied with lovely, sophisticated yet subtle flavors of dried apricots, grapefruit and peaches. Finely structured with creamy bubbles that give tension and focus. Touch of salt. Long and satisfying. A blend of 55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay. Dosage 8 g/L. Drink now.

96 points jamessuckling.com

Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésime 2018 is an exceptional vintage Champagne from one of the region’s most revered houses, a producer known for depth, precision and a signature style built on long ageing and meticulous blending. The 2018 vintage was generous and beautifully balanced, giving ripe, pristine fruit across Champagne. Charles Heidsieck selected grapes from a series of top Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages in the Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne, focusing on Chardonnay for finesse and Pinot Noir for structure and richness. The house is famous for its deep chalk cellars, and the slow ageing in these ancient crayères allows the wine to develop remarkable complexity and texture.

The winemaking follows the house tradition of precision and patience. After fermentation and extended lees ageing, the wine gains its hallmark creaminess, savoury complexity and fine mousse. The 2018 cuvée particularly benefits from the estate’s commitment to long maturation which builds depth well beyond what is typical in vintage Champagne. Charles Heidsieck is celebrated for crafting Champagnes that show early generosity yet retain the ability to evolve gracefully for decades.

In the glass it gleams a brilliant pale gold with persistent fine bubbles. The nose is layered and expressive with notes of lemon zest, nectarine, crisp pear and white peach alongside aromas of toasted brioche, almond cream, hazelnut and delicate white florals. Beneath the fruit lies a chalky mineral backbone that reflects its premium vineyard sources. As it opens, hints of honey, vanilla bean, subtle spice and citrus blossom appear, adding dimension and elegance.

The palate is refined, silky and beautifully structured. Vibrant citrus and stone fruit glide across the tongue supported by a creamy mid palate shaped by long lees ageing. Flavours of lemon curd, peach, apple skin, toasted pastry, marzipan and chalky minerality unfold in balanced layers. The mousse is fine and persistent. Acidity is bright and pure, keeping the wine focused while subtle savoury richness adds weight without heaviness. The finish is long, graceful and slightly saline with lingering citrus, pastry and mineral tones. It is a Champagne that is captivating now yet built to age effortlessly for fifteen to twenty years.

Pair it with lobster, scallops, oysters, roasted chicken with tarragon, mushroom vol au vents, Comté cheese, caviar, delicate pasta dishes or even lightly spiced Asian seafood. Its tension and richness make it incredibly versatile.