Heidsieck/Charles Brut Champagne Blanc des Millénaires 2004

99 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Falstaff): "A hint of candlewax, of white truffle and the most subtle sense of smoke. The palate opens with smooth, fine but lovely mousse that is an explosion of saltiness. There is incredible oyster shell, iodine depth, absolute intensity, real dimension, utter definition. Despite this savoury notion, there is a purity that is completely disarming, that soars and sings. What an essence of the Côte des Blancs, what a beautiful expression of Champagne. What serenity and subtlety. Alcohol 12%. (3/29/22)"

98 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide) : "(100% chardonnay; 20% each of Cramant, Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Vertus, as always; aged 11 years on lees; fermented in stainless steel tanks, cru by cru; full malolactic fermentation; 9g/L dosage, the first Charles below 10g/L; 65–70,000 bottles). Just the fifth Blanc de Millénaires since 1983, parading a gloriously bright yet full straw-yellow hue, this is another enthralling release brimming with all of the ravishing exuberance that is Charles Heidsieck. Glorious sweet pipe smoke, molten wax, nougat, golden fruit cake, glacé peach, quince and truffles well up in a magical torrent, while the honed definition and coiled tension of the great 2004 season shines like a beacon, illuminating with great focus the pristine cut of lemon and apple fruit. In texture it is an ethereal sensation, at once silky, creamy, luscious and extravagantly rich, yet at every moment defined by the focus of 2004 acidity, washing with a magnificent sea of fine chalk mineral texture that inscribes the signature of the greatest crus of the Côte des Blancs. With epic determination, drive and brilliance, this is a worthy follow-on to the sublime 1995, and will, like it, blossom and grow triumphantly in the decades to come. (2020-2021)"

98 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$250 list] This is an iteration of a legendary Champagne. Perfectly balanced, still packed with white fruit but just touching nuttiness, the wine is at its peak. Celebrating one of the great Champagne vintages of this century, this wine is totally memorable and magnificent. Alcohol 12%. (Dec 2020)"

98 points/'Best in Show,' Decanter: "This Blanc de Blancs Champagne is a bright morning gold in colour, with fine-seamed bubbles and rich, expressive and expansive aromas. Beaten cream, pounded hazels, a hint of baking apples, brioche fresh from the oven. But all these notes are drawn with great subtlety, underscoring the fruit quality of the Chardonnay vineyards used in this blend. On the palate, the wine retains all that aromatic grace and amplitude, marrying it to a shapely fruit presence, vibrant though now well-rounded acidity and textural charm, too. A head-turner. Drink 2019-2028. (DWWA 2019)"

97 points (18.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "Full of flavor, with integrity, notes of yellow fruit, fresh butter, and a creamy mouthfeel, the 2004 Blanc des Millénaires is extremely appealing. (2020)"

94-97 points Essi Avellan, MW: "Glossy gold toned colour. Full-on creamy nose with rapidly emerging toastiness, ground coffee tones and pristine white fruit layers. A fine combination of fresh and dried fruit and yeast-complexed aromas. The palate is at the same time linear and driven but also wonderfully sumptuous with viscous texture bringing on seductive roundness. There is tension and feisty aciditybut in the background of the ever-increasing generosity. Between January and March 2018 the wine had opened up significantly started to gain Charles’s hallmark generosity. Hugely promising and already delivering. November 2016 disgorgement tasted, 9g/l dosage. (Jun 2019)"

96 points Essi Avellan, MW (The World of Fine Wine): "Bright, lemon-toned color with depth. Refined nose of fine, toasty profile. Lots of layers: charred tones, roasted coffee, custard cream, pencil shavings, lemon, and yellow apple. The palate has a lovely, silky flow to it, the bubbles feeling small-sized and lazy. The finish lasts long, showing pristine fruitiness, perky freshness, and a playful energy to it. This initially felt like it had some more complexity to gain but it evolved rather quickly in the glass, suggesting otherwise. A refined, lively, and silky, immediately impressive whole. 2024–29. (Jan 2025)"