Charles Heidsieck Rose Reserve NV (1x75cl)

The harmony and complexity come from one of the higher quotas of riserva wines (40%). The dosage does not indulge softness, even if the citrus is never very openly bitter and the apple has inflections of rennet, but also quince. On the finish, tones of yellow-fleshed fruit, hazelnut, and salt intersect. Nice persistence.

A rich and toasty Champagne, with vivacious acidity backing the flavors of apple pastry and coffee, with just a touch of hard candy or treacle. The texture is delicate and refined, and the wine shows fine length overall.

An exceptional Brut Reserve NV based on the great 2008 harvest. The intricate aromas have settled into a rare complexity of bouquet. Vanilla, toast and pâtissière flatter both nose and palate, miraculously freshened by lovely acidity. A superior aperitif champagne, ideally matched with oysters or caviar. 11g/l dosage. Disgorged in early 2017.

A wealth of trademark complexity that makes for an immediately engaging Champagne. Bright little red berries and poached peaches plus flinty reductive notes and baked caramel nut biscuits. Makes a composed and focused impression to start with citrus, strawberry and stone fruit flavors all here; really fluffy foamy texture fills it out and then it rolls through richer savory notes to close. A solid NV drinking well now, this will even handle a year or two more on cork.

Extremely powerful nose powers out of the glass! A certain sweet creaminess on the nose. Really quite rich. Very much more rounded and welcoming than the blend based on 2008. Not that many houses have a seven-year-old NV on the market! Real bullseye for the Charles style. Tastes readier than the 2008 base – a real standout.