Émilien Erard’s first vintage working at Heidsieck, the 2018 Champagne Millesime Brut has a shimmering yellow hue, while the nose reveals notes of ripe peaches, with a fleshy stone fruit character that is characteristic of the house. Disgorged in 2024, this 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay blend, with no oak, was aged entirely in stainless steel tanks. They were aiming to preserve the freshness of this vintage to enhance its aging potential. The mousse is frothy and floral, expressive and open in this vintage. Drink 2026-2050. (AF)

Charles Heidsieck's 2018 is an unusual assemblage which successfully finds some focus and energy in this generous, sometimes slightly diffuse ripe vintage. Alongside plenty of juicy stone fruit Pinot Noir and sweet, sunny tangerine there's an appealing snap of bittersweet grapefruit Chardonnay, a large part of which unusually hails from sandy Trigny just north of Reims. The stylish toasty nougat richness, set against the clean-cut precision and easy approachability of the house, is certainly on show, and both 2018s present fine mid-term drinking (TH)

The 2018 Brut Millésime is an attractive, open-knit offering. Apricot, yellow flowers, baked apple tart and light tropical overtones all grace this mid-weight, forward Champagne from Charles Heidsieck. All the elements are very well put together, adding to the wine's considerable charm. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2024. (AG)