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): "(2012 base vintage; disgorged May 2017 and 2018; 100% chardonnay, half Oger and Vertus, half Villers-Marmery, Trépail, Vaudemange, Montgueux; 25% reserve wines averaging 5 years or age; fermented in stainless steel vats, cru by cru; 10g/L dosage; technological cork; 60,000 bottles). The first release of the modern reincarnation of Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV, first made in the 1970s and discontinued after about five vintages with the launch of Champagne Charlie when Remy Cointreau took ownership... By stark contrast to the Côte des Blancs endurance of Blanc des Millénaires this is a complex union between the most generous crus of the Côte (50% Oger and Vertus), the equal balance from the east-facing villages of the Montagne de Reims and the outposts of Montgueux and the Sézanne. The stark contrast of this cuvée leads out from the outset in a hue of full straw, yet bright and radiant. Projecting the unmistakable, definitive DNA of Charles, it’s layered in deep allusions of truffle, vanilla bean, baked apple, ripe pear, butter croissant, a complex interplay of spice, even a suggestion of warm hearth, incense and wax unexpected in a cuvée that does not depend upon old reserves. In the midst of the signature deep and contemplative mood of the house, it sings with the pure lemon high notes of chardonnay, the vivacity of youthful 2012 acidity, and the grainy, glittering, frothing salt chalk mineral structure of Oger, the eastern Montagne de Reims and Montgueux – crus quite distinct in their geography, yet sharing a commonality in the grainy grip of their mineral structure. A one-quarter dose of the challenging 2011 season is well deployed to build structure, tension and grip. A masterfully assembled blanc de blancs of rolling persistence and a worthy addition to the hallowed halls of Charles. (2020-2021)"

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 Essi Avellan, MW: "Pale lemon in colour, with an instantly charming nose that has a layered sweet toastiness. There are pristine vanilla-laden aromas, with orchard fruit, lemon, lime and even tropical nuances. The palate is youthful with vibrancy yet also age-mellowed, with reserve-wine richness contributing velvety sensations. This is a beautiful recipe, in which the steely, mineral wines of the Côte des Blancs gain gravitas from spicy Montgueux Chardonnay and tropical tones from Villers-Marmery and Trépail on the Montagne de Reims. This Mis en Cave 2017 is based largely on 2016 fruit and has a particularly pure and perky fruitiness. Disgorged 2021; dosage 10g/l. (Aug 2022)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$100 list] This Chardonnay-based Champagne from the Côte des Blancs is perfumed, fragrant. The citrus edge and minerality are in harmony, bringing together a wine that is taut, textured and ready to drink. (2022)"

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 Wine Spectator: "[$120 list] Rich and fragrant, with chopped hazelnut, toasted brioche and smoke notes accenting poached apricot and spun honey flavors. Remains fresh and focused, thanks to lively lemony acidity, which carries the expressive profile on the lingering finish. Disgorged 2021. Drink now through 2028. 235 cases imported. (12/15/23)"

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)"