Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Reserve (750ml)

Sparkling from Champagne, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Over my decades of travel, I've become rather efficient; the places I call home, from one city to another, country by country run consistent. Local hoteliers know me, as do the keepers of the best hotel lounges. They see me coming and they know of my needs: a glass of Champagne. If the caretaker is new, they'll know by week's end: Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve is tops on my list.

Champagne Charlie is a friend of mine. Legendary character, I imagine I may have even enjoyed the company of the man himself. Born in 1822, Charlie was the son of Charles-Henri Heidsieck, who was himself the nephew of Florens-Louis Heidsieck, co-founder of Piper Heidsieck. The tales of heroics run throughout Charlie's family. His father went down in history for his antics in 1811, storming into Moscow ahead of Napoleon on his galloping white stallion, cases of Champagne at the ready to celebrate. It didn't matter the victor to Charles-Henri, he was there to celebrate and sell some wine!

Charlie had that same salesmanship in his gut. He popularized real Champagne in America for the first time after forming his eponymous firm in 1851. After his first visit to New York, he hired an agent to handle the business of importing his firm's Champagnes. Five years later, thousands of cases successfully sold, Charlie returned. New York lit up; banquets, balls and parties galore celebrating the man they affectionately named "Champagne Charlie."

94JS

Remarkable depth of mature aromas - tons of candied lemon peel, dried pear and brioche - plus wonderful textural richness on the palate make this stand out amongst the regular Brut NVs. Then comes the intense and very long, mineral finish to crown this prince of the category. Based on 2016 base wines, but with 52% reserve wines, almost a third of which were 10 to 20 years of age. Drink or hold.

94 points, James Suckling (Jul 2022)

Alcohol By Volume: 12.0%

#FRCHEINVAE

$59.98

21 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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