Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Base Vintage 2019

Based on the 2019 vintage and enriched by 50% reserve wines—stored in steel tanks and incorporating some 100 individual wines, averaging a decade in age—Charles Heidsieck’s NV Brut Réserve opens with aromas of candied lemon peel, ripe pear and pineapple mingling with buttered toast and a hint of burnt sugar. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, charming and textural, with a sweet and fleshy fruit core, succulent yet vibrant acidity and a persistent, toasty finish. Disgorged in 2024 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, after nearly four years aging sur lattes, it represents another strong rendition of this reliable cuvée.

Another brilliant wine based on the 2019 vintage, Charles Heidsieck's Brut Reserve opens with beautiful, sweet citrus, fleshy orchard fruit and layered, nutty, bready complexity from lees ageing and a significant proportion of reserve wine. The palate is supple, with a generous mousse, creamy texture and intense flavours of shortbread, preserved lemons, and pure, juicy peach and pear. There's a hit of light reductive smoke, toasted nuts and bread dough. Long, layered and sumptuous on the finish, it is delicious to drink now but will evolve nicely in the bottle for 5-8 years.