Heidsieck/Charles Brut Champagne Blanc des Millénaires 2014

98 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$340 list] This is an iconic wine, a pure expression of Chardonnay. With its intense crisp apple aroma and just the first hint of toasty maturity, the Champagne is perfectly in balance. Drink this fine wine now. (Dec 2024)"

97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2024 in Australia; five grand crus and one premier cru of the Côte des Blancs in similar quantities; Oger for its finesse and smoothness, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for its structure, Avize for its minerality, Cramant for its complexity, and Vertus for its vibrancy and floral notes; the eighth vintage in 24 years, following 1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2004, 2006 and 2007; disgorged July 2023; 8g/L dosage; technological cork). The launch of Blanc des Millénaires 2004 and 2006 at 15 years of age and 2007 and 14 makes 2014 appear young at a full decade of age in its radiant, pale straw hue. The vector of purity presented by the top crus of the Côte des Blancs in this underrated season is magnificent, beautifully wrapped in the creamy, caressing texture and generosity that define Charles. There is an immediacy to this release that reflects a warm and dry harvest in beautifully seductive white peach, fig and all the magnificence of a decade of maturity in brioche, mixed spice and vanilla cream. It presents magnificent line and length, culminating a finish of glittering, showering chalk minerality. (Edition VII; 2024)"

97 points Decanter: "The 2014 vintage was a mixed one in Champagne – a cool, wet July lingered into an indifferent August – and some parts of the region (notably the Marne Valley) struggled as they coped with twice the normal rainfall total. It soon became apparent, though, that the Côtes des Blancs was a winner zone in 2014, and time has only amplified the merits of this coolish but ultra-classical year for Blanc de Blancs from well-sited vineyards. Here’s a great example. Pale and fine-beaded, with a sumptuous aroma of cream, flowers, nuts and quiet orchard fruits – though it’s stealthy as yet, and further cellar time will certainly amplify the charm. On the palate, the wine is crystalline in terms of its focus and balance, while the flavours evoke the plant world – pressed spring leaf and sweet angelica – as much as fruit. The structure is impressive for a Blanc de Blancs, too. Stylish and assured Champagne. (DWWA 2024)"

96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "[$340 list] Entirely Chardonnay, the bright straw/silver-colored the 2014 Champagne Blanc Des Millénaires has light reduction with beautiful smoky framing as well as notes of white peach, tangerine, fresh flowers, and chalky salinity. Medium-bodied, it has a refined mousse, a silky texture, and a long, elegant finish. It’s not an obvious wine at this stage, but it’s pleasing. It will benefit from time in bottle and drink well over the next couple decades. I like the fruitiness and freshness on the palate. It should pair well with shellfish. Drink: 2024-2044. (12/20/24)"

96 points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "Light gold with languid bubbles, the Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millénaires 2014 is the eighth release of this cuvée. The blend comes from five selected Côte des Blancs crus that were aged nine years on fine lees and finished with a nine grams per liter dosage. The nose is toasty and buttery with an underlying concentration of orchard fruit, raw almonds, orange peel and honey. The medium-bodied palate has a focused, precise fruit concentration opulently draped in a vibrant acid cloak that adds a delicate finesse to the long, fresh finish. Alcohol 12.5%. Drink: 2024-2040. (12/18/24)"

96 points Falstaff: "Pale straw yellow with silver reflections and a very fine mousse. Fine nuances of baked goods, white almonds and hazelnut on the nose, underlaid with fresh nectarines and Golden Delicious apple and a hint of mandarin oranges - a multi-faceted bouquet. Complex, taut and tightly meshed on the palate, it shows all the advantages of a Chardonnay in a great year - finely structured, mineral and clinging, with a salty, almost ethereal feeling to the long finish. A great food companion. Disgorged 2023. (10/4/24)"

96 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Blanc des Millenaires 2014 is one of the year's great successes, focusing on freshness, white flowers and almond, with a toasty edge that enhances the whole. The saline length is there, as is the elegance. A very complex, fine wine that lives up to its name. (2025)"

95 points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "The eighth rendition of this cuvée, the 2014 Brut Blanc de Blancs Blanc des Millénaires evokes a complex, sweet bouquet of candied lemon, confit citrus, blanched almonds, brioche, honeycomb and ripe orchard fruits. Full-bodied, broad-shouldered and ample, it features a velvety attack and a vinous, fleshy core of fruit, with a textural mid-palate that leads to a spicy, long and delicate finish. This is a stunning new release of this cuvée, showcasing its depth and elegance. Drink: 2024-2044. (10/24/24)"

95 points James Suckling: "Complex biscuity, yeasty undertones to this blanc de blancs, along with crushed almonds, pears and apples. It’s fresh and beautifully integrated on the palate with silky and elegant layers, fine bubbles and attractive, lingering pastry character. Drink now or hold. (8/5/24)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$340 list] Vivacious and graceful, with a lacy mousse and mouthwatering acidity. Offers fine interplay between this vivid frame and honeyed flavors of poached apricot, quince paste, lemon curd, grilled nuts and brioche. Shows good length on the well-spiced finish. Drink now through 2035. 220 cases imported. (12/15/24)"