Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs, Champagne

Very clean and transparent on the nose with sliced apples, delicate lemon curd and hints of chalk. Zesty. Medium-bodied with plenty of lemons and grapefruit, tangy and bright. Zingy. Electric at the end. 13 percent of the 2020 base wine fermented and aged in barrel. 30% reserve wine. Dosage 7 g/L. Drink now.

94 points jamessuckling.com

Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully refined Champagne that captures the purity and precision of Chardonnay from some of the region’s finest crus. The fruit comes mainly from the Côte des Blancs villages of Avize, Oger, Vertus, and Cramant, supported by select parcels from the Montagne de Reims. A generous portion of reserve wines and long ageing in the house’s ancient chalk cellars beneath Reims give this cuvée its trademark depth and creaminess.

In the glass it shows pale gold with a fine, persistent bead. The aroma is elegant and layered, offering white peach, citrus zest, chalk, almond, and hints of brioche from extended lees ageing. The palate is pure and focused, combining lemon curd, green apple, and subtle pastry notes with a silky texture and a long, mineral finish. It is both energetic and luxurious, a perfect reflection of the Charles Heidsieck style.

It pairs beautifully with oysters, sashimi, grilled scallops, or roast chicken, and it also works well with soft cheeses or lightly creamy dishes. While wonderfully expressive now, its structure and mineral backbone give it the ability to age gracefully for many years.