Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 1995

The 1995 Brut Blanc des Millenaires shows just how compelling this often overlooked vintage can be. Layers of lemon, pastry, spices, crushed rocks and savory herbs literally jump from the glass. An exquisite, perfumed, beautifully delineated Champagne, the 1995 shows lovely flavor complexity and nuance from its extended time in bottle, yet it also retains plenty of freshness, verve and acidity. This is a great showing from Charles Heidsieck. The 1995 was made before the tenure of the house's current team, headed by CEO Cecile Bonnefond. It will be very interesting to see what develops at this historic property over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.

An elegant blanc de blancs, with a finely detailed, creamy mousse. There's a purity to the fruit flavors of poached white peach and orange granita that finds fine integration with accents of toasted brioche, grilled hazelnut and ground cardamom. Aging beautifully, this is rich in flavor yet still vibrant and well-focused through the lacy finish. Drink now through 2025.

An elegant Champagne, showing fine integration and a silky weave of ripe yellow peach, lemon pound cake, espresso and crystallized honey flavors, all underscored by accents of toasted brioche, honey and roasted almond that add richness without weight. The mouthwatering finish shows a lasting tang of sea salt. Drink now through 2025. 500 cases imported.