Over the last 40 years, Charles Heidsieck’s flagship Blanc de Blancs prestige cuvée has built a loyal following among sommeliers and collectors. Historically, this exceptional cuvée has only been released in selected vintages – 1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2014 – with the 1996 vintage now marking its ninth appearance. With a simultaneous release of the 2014 vintage in 2024, this year stands as the first occasion that Maison Charles Heidsieck has introduced two Blanc des Millénaires in one year.
Under CEO Stephen Leroux’s leadership, the Maison launched La Collection Crayères, a tribute to its Gallo-Roman cellars and rich archives. Over the past decade, select quantities of library wines have been released under La Collection Crayères, though never before has an original Blanc des Millénaires been included – until now!
Charles Heidsieck La Collection Crayeres Blanc des Millenaires Champagne production
This remarkable wine was crafted and cellared by Daniel Thibault, the celebrated Cellar Master at Charles Heidsieck from 1976 to 2002. Although Charles Heidsieck, like many Grandes Marques houses, did not officially declare a Blanc des Millénaires in 1996, Thibault trusted his instinct and crafted a small batch of this cuvée, cellaring it in 1997. Nicknamed a “sleeping beauty,” this wine was left undisturbed for nearly three decades, passing through the stewardship of five cellar masters.
In 2021, Cellar Master Cyril Brun carefully oversaw the wine’s disgorgement and dosage, while Elise Losfelt recommended extended post-disgorgement ageing to further enhance its complexity until its planned release in June 2024. As with all Blanc des Millénaires vintages, this Chardonnay was meticulously sourced from the renowned Côte des Blancs region, selected from four Grand Cru villages – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize, Cramant – and one Premier Cru village, Vertus. Vinified entirely in stainless steel, the still wine underwent full malolactic fermentation, was cellared in 1997, and disgorged in 2021 with a dosage of 9 g/L, embodying the distinct finesse and ageing potential of a true Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires.
Charles Heidsieck La Collection Crayeres Blanc des Millenaires Champagne 1996 Vintage Report
The 1996 vintage stands out as one of Champagne’s most remarkable on record, benefiting from near-perfect weather conditions. Long, sunlit days paired with moderate summer temperatures allowed the grapes to reach ideal ripeness and concentration, while preserving a vivid acidity.
Charles Heidsieck La Collection Crayeres Blanc des Millenaires Champagne 1996 Tasting Notes
After nearly 25 years of careful ageing, the Blanc des Millénaires 1996 is finally ready to unveil its character. The Blanc des Millénaires 1996 presents a crystalline, elegantly translucent robe.
On the nose, it opens with a lively freshness, carrying aromas of ripe fruit, candied mandarin, white blossoms, and kiwi. As it unfolds, the bouquet deepens, revealing layers of brioche, delicate puff pastry, pecans, saffron, and butter, complemented by subtle hints of smoke and black tea.
On the palate, the initial sensation is silky and smooth, soon evolving into warm, tangy accents of pecan, saffron, and warm butter, alongside fresh, candied tangerine. Smoky hints of black tea and subtle roasting notes add depth. The finish is robust, aromatic, and intensely memorable, showcasing the wine’s finesse, delivering a taut structure and impressive power.
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