Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve (Base 2012)

Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve is one of Champagne's great overachievers, built around an extraordinary reserve wine programme that sees around 50% of the blend drawn from older vintages, many averaging a decade in age. Much like Krug Grande Cuvée, the emphasis is on complexity, consistency and depth rather than simply reflecting a single harvest, though at a fraction of the price. The result is a remarkably rich and complete Champagne, offering layers of brioche, toasted nuts and ripe orchard fruit balanced by freshness and finesse, making it one of the finest non-vintage Champagnes available today. "Low-key nose but lots of layers on the palate. Really first class. Lacy texture and intriguing, tightly laced and embroidered. Very well done! Good tension." Jancis Robinson MW "Aromas of warm brioche, grilled peaches and lemon curd flirt with flinty, smoky nuances. The effervescence is subtle, nipped in, refined. Toasted cashews and sweet vanilla cream. Whipped lemon cream, apple pie and lemon rind flavours linger on the finish. Base wine: 2012. Reserve wine: 36%. Drink 2022-2027." Decanter, November 2022