Heidsieck/Charles Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV

96 points Decanter: "Rich and full style, with a smoky and clear-cut flinty note to begin. Aromas of dried and baked fruits accompanied by woody and autolytic notes. Very serious example, with intense biscuit and toast notes and such a classy texture. Charming. Alcohol 12.0%. (DWWA 2022)"

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in Australia; 100% chardonnay; 50% Côte des Blancs, mostly Oger and Vertus, 15% Montgueux, Sezanne and Villers-Marmery; 2017 base; one-third reserves; 14% fermented in oak barrels; disgorged in 2022; technological cork). A shining beacon for the wizardry of Cyril Brun as a genius blender, this is a masterpiece that exemplifies not only the unique Champagne blessing of the complexities that can be achieved by blending crus of one variety with clever fermentation permutations, but of doing so with seamless coherence and effortless deliciousness. Blanc de Blancs is in every way a completely different universe to Brut Réserve and Rosé Réserve yet it is inextricably a close sibling in the intimate family of Charles. With a bright, medium straw hue, it's paler, more dynamic and projects a younger and fresher mood (though it's not). The evocative mood that is Charles is built on all the complexity of chardonnay's most generous crus, with evocative layers of ripe pear, golden delicious apple, juicy peach and fig. Deep spice, ginger nut biscuits and honey emphasise lees age, accented with the subtle toastiness of barrel fermentation, touched with vanilla reminiscent of Comtes de Champagne. Cyril Brun is a master of texture, and this is at once silky, slippery and creamy with the softness of the finest velouté, perfectly balanced with a seamless, gentle harmony of fine chalk minerality and intricately integrated dosage. The result is one of the most intriguing and inviting non-vintage blanc de blancs on the shelves. (Edition VII; 2024)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$120 list] Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs gives a Champagne that has a white fruit aroma and citrus freshness. At the same time, this bottling is mineral, beautifully textured and lightly yeasty. Drink now. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2024)"

94+ points Falstaff Guide): "Medium yellow-green, silver reflections, fine, constant mousseux. Delicate toast, fine yellow tropical fruit, ripe yellow apple, white peach, a hint of blossom honey and nougat. Juicy, white apple, complex and with a silky texture, present, almost racy acid structure, pome fruit on the finish, very good length, fruity-sweet aftertaste, good ageing potential. (9/30/22)"

94 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: "It exudes fat, hazelnut oil, fresh almonds, poached white pome fruits, white spices and flowers. On the palate, yellow citrus, smoke and fine chalk. Peppery palate, great menthol bitterness, caressing envelope. (2024)"

93 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "100% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Montgueux. The 2016 base is refined and persistent, showing tart mirabelle plum and citrus confit on one hand, but also a more extroverted green mango/lime side. An invigorating, marine/salt-spray finish. The volume, the padding of pastry and nougat, will show with more time on cork – I would give this at least 2 years on cork. (Dec 2022)"

93 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): "Beautiful nose of white flowers with candied lemon peel aromas underlined by a delicate white bread character with just a hint of toast. At once generous and elegant on the front palate, then the salty and chalky character builds beautifully, very nicely balancing the dosage at the long polished finish. A cuvee based on the 2018 vintage with 30% reserve wines matured for almost three years on the lees before disgorging in January 2023. Drink now. (8/7/23)"