Heidsieck/Charles Brut Champagne Réserve NV

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Charles Heidsieck might be nicknamed Poor Man's Krug given the astonishing number of vintages in the reserve wines, their age (10 years in tank), and the seven years the wine spends on lees once blended and bottled. It is an exceptional wine in the mouth, supple, layered, complex and long..."

94-96 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(40% chardonnay, 40% pinot, 20% meunier; 60 crus; 40% reserves of 50% chardonnay and 50% pinot; reserves average 10 years of age )and some up to 20 years of age) at the time of blending; fermented in stainless steel tanks, cru by cru, variety by variety; 11g/L dosage; technological cork; 80% of the sales of the house). The delectable Charles Heidsieck mood is nothing short of winter-time generosity, full-straw hue, mellow autumn-leaf character, contemplative appeal, waxy, creamy, fleshy, toasty and brimming with juicy stone fruits, fig, pear and crunchy red apples. It declares its magnificent age and deep reserves in rumbling maturity of dried peach, coffee, cocoa, nougat, pâtisserie, deep mixed spice, even pipe smoke, molten wax and truffles... you get the idea (the grand complexity of Charles always evokes the longest lists of flavour comparisons in my notes). Fragrance, freshness and vitality are preserved in crunchy grapefruit and lemon, which linger with brilliant line and length on a finish underscored by the structural depth of pronounced, fine, soft, salt minerality. The 2012 is a particularly refined base vintage of poise and confidence that define a triumphant and worthy Charles. The complexity of recipe and depth of mood of this generous cuvée counter the grip of the challenging 2010 season in a dynamic and compelling style. The 2008 remains the greatest of them all, billowingly complex, at once silky and creamy and yet blessed with the brilliant radiance that defines 2008. A prestige cuvée disguised behind an affordable label. Quintessential Charles. (2020-2021)"

94 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): "Very impressive for a "regular" non-vintage Brut, not only in terms of aromatic complexity - candied citrus, dried peach and fresh mirabelle plus a hint of bread dough - also in terms of texture, the creamy, rich and crisp sides of the wine neatly interlocking. Long, structured finish. A cuvee that's half 2018 and half reserve wines, some of which are a couple of years old, but many of them are five- to 10-years-old, with several over 10-years-old. Drink or hold. (8/7/23)"

93-94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier). This Mis en Cave 2018 is based on the challenging 2017 vintage. Taking that into consideration, the nose is laudably clean, showing an ample contribution from reserve wines in the form of toast and coffee tones, as well as a dried-fruit complexity. Notes of lemon confit and sweet tropical fruits give a sense of sumptuous sweetness. On the palate, the wine comes with a brisk kick of acidity; it seems light, but there is also a wonderful silky mellowness. Long, delicious finish. Disgorged 2022; dosage 11.2g/l. (Aug 2022)"

93+ points Falstaff Guide (9/30/22).

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$90 list] This nonvintage Champagne shows the hallmark of the producer. With its 50% reserve wines to bring out maturity, the wine is full of fruit, touched by toast. Drink this fine bottling now. (Dec 2023)"

93 points Decanter: "Delicate nose with hints of white flower and salty sea air. Subtle and elegant with a lovely balance of acidity and lemony, apply flavours. Firm mousse with touch of smoke on the palate. Drinking Window: 2021-2025. (Oct 2020)"