Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004, Blanc de Blancs NV

Champagne Charles Heidsieck, among the most recognized Champagne houses in Reims, France, has announced the U.S. market launch of the Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004, the first vintage blanc de blancs released since 1995.

Charles Heidsieck has also introduced the Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV.

Both wines are imported through Folio Fine Wine Partners and will be available nationwide in limited quantities, importing approximately 360 three-bottle cases of Blanc des Millénaires 2004 and 180 six-bottle cases of NV Blanc de Blancs.

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The Blanc des Millénaires 2004 is comprised of 100% Chardonnay, blended by five major crus from the Côte des Blancs: Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant and Vertus. “The 2004 version already offers the beautiful color, long finish and silky texture so characteristic Charles Heidsieck cuvées,” says Charles Heidsieck’s Chef de Caves, Cyril Brun comments. “Only a sharp assembly and a development of the highest quality can pass the test of fourteen years.”

The fifth edition of this wine underscores Charles Heidsieck’s tradition in the development of Blanc de Blancs, dating back to the House’s first 100% Chardonnay vintage produced in 1947. Charles Heidsieck released its first vintage of Blanc des Millénaires, a sharper and concise blend, in 1993 with the 1983 vintage, the company says. Since then, the house has only unveiled four vintages of this wine: 1985, 1990, 1995 and finally now 2004.

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Blanc de Blancs NV had been produced in the 1970s but had been discontinued to bring focus to vintage Blanc de Blancs. Champagne Charles Heidsieck returns to NV Blanc de Blancs production with the addition of the Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV. A blend of 80% wines produced from the harvest of 2012 (100% Chardonnay) and 25% reserves that have been aged, on average, for 5 years, the Blanc de Blancs NV is combined by several crus, the majority from Côte des Blancs (Oger, Vertus), and Villers-Marmery, Trépail, Vaudemange and Montgueux.

“This very bold endeavour reveals a completely new side to the House style,” Brun comments. “The blending has delivered a successful variation in the House’s range, and unveils the unexpected consistency of a great Blanc de Blancs. An ageing process over four years in the House’s chalk cellars adds yet another dimension.”

The suggested retail price for Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004 is $250 per 750-ml. bottle, while the suggested retail price for Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV is $96 per 750-ml. bottle.

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