Charles Heidsieck : Vintage 2006

Ripe gold; superb mature bouquet of hazelnuts, butter, vanilla, caramel, exotic fruit; airy attack, full-bodied structure, noticeable dosage that somehow suits this languid, romantic, dreamy, mature wine: pairs well with dishes that welcome a touch of sweetness, such as Asian cuisine. The score reflects the distinctive style.

The 2006 Brut Millésimé spent nine years on the lees and was disgorged in 2017 with ten grams per liter dosage. The wine expresses the sunny vintage, exhibiting generous aromas of mirabelle plum, crisp yellow orchard fruit, confit citrus, toasted nuts and dried white flowers. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and mouthfilling, with a youthfully boisterous but elegant mousse, a fleshy core of fruit and a rich, expansive finish. This is a gourmand vintage of Heidsieck's vintage Brut, and it will be best enjoyed at table; it will age more on its concentration and extract than its acidity. The blend is a classic 59% Pinot Noir and 41% Chardonnay.

Rich notes of pastry, crushed cherry, espresso cream, saffron and spice are well-meshed with vibrant acidity in this expressive Champagne. Fine and creamy in texture, with a racy, tightly knit finish that should unfold nicely with age. Disgorged in 2017. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 90 cases imported.

For those who like their champagne delicate, with the smile of a warm summer, this is the vintage to go for. Fine-drawn and elegant, it has a nice structure and well-defined flavors of red fruits, quince and a touch of apricot, accompanied by a subtle spiciness. The one criticism aimed at 2006 is that the wines can lack acidity—but not this one. Ready to drink now, maybe with blinis. Disgorged in 2017.

Bright light golden colour with vivid fine bubbles. Intense and generous nose exuding ripe yellow stone fruit, citrus, grape, almond paste, fine pastry with some chalky and stony notes. The palate has nice maturity and harmony, still with vital fruit like peach and apricot with nutty notes, fine spices, a mild creaminess and a bright acidity, and a long and layered finish with juicy fruit and pastry notes. Good drinkability today.

Subtle and delicate, brilliantly airy, a champagne of great finesse, lifted by the indulgence of toasted and fruity aromas.

The 2006 vintage is less energetic, marked by the sunny character of the vintage.