2006 Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Blanc de Blancs Blanc des Millénaires

The House of Charles Heidsieck and its historical signature

Charles Heidsieck is one of the most iconic Champagne producers, renowned for its profound style, long lees aging, and cellaring in centuries-old chalk cellars. Founded in the mid-nineteenth century, the house quickly developed a reputation for Champagnes rich in texture, precision, and elegance. The Blanc de Blancs tradition within the house is unique, as only wines that demonstrate exceptional Chardonnay quality are produced. The prestige cuvée Blanc des Millénaires is produced only in the best years and represents the most refined expression of Chardonnay from the Charles Heidsieck cellar.

The origin of the Chardonnay for Blanc des Millénaires

The Chardonnay for Blanc des Millénaires comes from five Grand and Premier Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Vertus. These villages have chalky soils that impart tension, freshness, and mineral precision. The vineyards are situated on slopes where coolness and sun are optimally balanced. Chardonnay from this part of Champagne matures slowly, producing wines with structure and finesse, perfectly suited for extended aging.

For 2006, fruit was selected that combined ripeness and depth with ample vibrancy. The sunny year produced grapes with aromatic intensity and fully developed structures. The selection of chalky plots balanced this ripeness with fresh acidity, forming the basis for the expressive style of this Blanc des Millénaires.

The character of the 2006 harvest

The 2006 vintage is known for its warm and sunny summer, followed by excellent ripening. The Chardonnay had time to develop complexity, developing both ripe fruit and ample softness on the acidity. This gave the final result a rich and open style. The vintage is often compared to the approachability of previous warmer years, but with added precision thanks to the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs. In this cuvée, this resulted in a Champagne that immediately charms, yet also possesses impressive depth.

Vinification, maturation and dosage

After the harvest, the base wines are vinified separately to preserve the character of each cru. The blend consists exclusively of Chardonnay and is followed by an exceptionally long aging on the lees, often more than ten years. During this period, the wine develops its creamy texture, fine mousse, and complex layers.

The 2006 was recently disgorged and received a dosage of seven grams per liter. This dosage enhances the ripe fruit notes and contributes to the elegant balance that characterizes this cuvée. The long bottle aging has ensured that the wine is already beautifully open today, without losing any of its tension.

Color, aroma and taste of the Blanc des Millénaires 2006

The color is bright golden yellow with a refined, constantly rising mousse. The nose is rich and expressive, with aromas of toasted brioche, honey, ripe yellow apple, and candied citrus. Subtle notes of stone fruit, lime, buttery toast, and floral nuances are also present. The combination of ripeness and minerality reveals both the sunny character of the 2006 vintage and the chalky origins of the grapes.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and textured, with a core of ripe fruit and a fine, precise mousse. The structure is powerful yet elegant, supported by fresh yet ripe acidity. Stone fruit, citrus notes, and light honey accents fill the mid-palate. The finish is remarkably long and complex, with a light saltiness and a creamy softness that remains beautifully balanced. The wine displays both generosity and precision, making it a standout within the Blanc des Blancs category.

Would you like to order Charles Heidsieck wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

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Wine and food pairings

• Seafood platter with oysters and shellfish. The saltiness and freshness perfectly complement the wine's minerality.
• Lobster with lemon butter. The creaminess complements the rich texture and brioche notes beautifully.
• Sea bass tartare with lime and fresh herbs. The dish's freshness enhances the vibrant acidity.
• Supreme chicken with celeriac cream. The tender texture of the meat complements the round mousse and ripe fruit.
• Soft goat cheese with honey and subtle herbs. The harmony of honeyed aromas and mineral freshness completes this combination.