Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2014

“Blanc des Millénaires 2014 reflects with intensity and elegance, the essence of Charles Heidsieck’s emphasis on time. It took ten years of patience and the attention of three Cellar Masters to carve this masterpiece from the Côte des Blancs. A journey through time from the chalk of the terroir to our millenary Crayères” Elise Losfelt, Cellar Master

Over the past 40 years, Charles Heidsieck’s flagship ‘Blanc de Blancs’ prestige cuvée has developed a captive audience, with outstanding releases in 1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2007 and now 2014.

2014 is a vintage of intensity and elegance. Despite a challenging growing season, the resulting Blanc des Millénaires from Charles Heidsieck is a quintessential expression. Flowering came around in the sunny month of June. July and August saw an abundance of rainfall, which was meticulously managed in the vineyards. Fortunately, a warm and dry September provided optimum ripening conditions, resulting in concentrated and balanced berries.

The Blanc des Millénaires 2014 was uniquely crafted over the course of a decade by three talented winemakers. Vinification began under the late Thierry Roset’s watchful eye, before his successor Cyril Brun took the reins during blending and bottling. Finally, after ageing in the House’s majestic crayères, current winemaker Elise Losfelt oversaw disgorgement and dosage of the cuvée.

The Chardonnay for Charles Heidsieck’s Blanc des Millénaires 2014 was carefully sourced from four grand crus in the Côte des Blancs (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger and Cramant), blended with the premier cru Vertus. Primary fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks before being racked and undergoing malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine was subsequently bottled and lees-aged for eight years before being disgorged in July 2023 with a 9g/L dosage. With the saline minerality and exceptional texture that is the hallmark of any Blanc des Millénaires, this cuvée balances bright acidity and citrus characters with gentle toasted, smoky notes. Both fresh and generous on the palate, the chalky texture follows through to a remarkably complex and persistent finish. Blanc des Millénaires 2014 carries all the vivacity, maturity and exceptional ageing potential of an outstanding vintage.