1995 Charles Heidsieck "Blanc des Millénaires" Brut Champagne

“Drunk from a bottle that was disgorged in 2016, the 1995 Blanc des Millenaires continues to show very well, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of waxy citrus rind, dried pear, walnut oil, warm bread and fresh pastry. On the palate, it's full-bodied, enveloping and chalky, with a rich and muscular core, lively acids and a long, precise finish. Impeccably balanced, this is a cuvée I have drunk on many occasions and which used to be well-represented in my own cellar, but this is as good a bottle as I have ever encountered. (WK)” (08/2019)

“The last batch of 1995 was disgorged in summer 2017, after spending 21 years on lees. ‘Jetted’ to revive it after disgorgement, it has a new lease of life. A refreshing young Champagne with pure chalkiness and lemon intensity. Cries out for oysters. (CG)” (07/2018)

“The 1995 Brut Blanc des Millenaires shows just how compelling this often overlooked vintage can be. Layers of lemon, pastry spices, crushed rocks and savory herbs literally jump from the glass in this exquisite, perfumed, beautifully delineated Champagne. The 1995 shows lovely flavor complexity and nuance from its extended time in bottle, yet it also retains plenty of freshness, verve and acidity. This is a great showing from Charles Heidsieck. The 1995 was made before the tenure of the house's current team, headed by CEO Cécile Bonnefond. It will be very interesting to see what develops at this historic property over the coming years. (AG)” (10/2012)

“This mouthwatering Champagne is refined and satiny in texture, with a citrusy overtone to the flavors of apricot preserves, toasted hazelnut and brioche, crystallized honey and fleur de sel. Presents a lasting, smoke- and spice-filled finish. *Highly Recommended* (AN)” (11/2015)

“This 12-year old shows signs of maturity, but retains freshness and liveliness as well. With its yeasty edge, toasty flavors and wonderful white fruits all in balance, it is finely balanced. The acidity is kept in check by the richness of the mature fruit. A very complete Champagne. Editors' Choice* (RV)” (12/2007)

“A wine with some impressive deep-set complexity. Very toasty, sweet, caramelized lemon and grapefruit aromas plus a wealth of grilled hazelnuts and sweet-smelling spicy accents too. The palate's smoky, savory and has sherry-like nutty aged characters. The thread runs long through the finish, and slightly dried citrus fruits fade slowly in a nutty afterglow with a candied lime finish. A truly mature Champagne.” (07/2015)

“This luxurious blend from the Côte des Blancs is gaining maturity, though it’s still fresh enough that the flavors have the taste of a ripe white peach. The bubbles are fine, the flavors touched by vanilla and cream. A broad, luscious Champagne to make fried chicken festive.” (12/2015)

“Anthony Hanson MW very kindly opened his last bottle of this famous wine for us. It certainly doesn't need to be kept any longer – to judge from my many tasting notes, the peak may have been reached in 2017 – and may just be losing its vitality but is still a beautifully balanced wine with great savour and depth of flavour. 17.5/20 points (JR)” (01/2025)