Champagne Charles Heidsieck
La Collection Crayères "Blanc des Millénaire" 1996

The 'Collection Crayères' edition by Maison Charles Heidsieck is a shrine of exclusive bottles, offered in limited quantities, which come from the Maison's Private Collection. A selection of Millésime Champagnes, which are aged for many years on their lees in the Maison's chalk cellars, encourages the harmonious development of aromas and taste as a demonstration of Charles Heidsieck's know-how, as only skilful blending and exceptional quality processing can stand the test of time.

The Champagne Blanc de Millénaires 1996 is the result of 100% Chardonnay grapes and a true Blanc de Blancs coming from the blending of the finest and purest terroirs. Only five villages, one Premier Cru and four Grands Crus, make up this Champagne: Vertus, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant. The vineyards are selected for their ability to develop and fully express their organoleptic opulence and extraordinary sensory composition.

In 2024, this new edition of the Blanc des Millénaires 1996 was released as a rare masterpiece symbolising the quintessence of patience and savoir-faire champenois. The extraordinary 1996 vintage enjoyed almost ideal climatic conditions throughout the season, with optimal sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the summer. The vintage was characterised by optimal ripeness, intense freshness and aromatic concentration. The 1996 is unanimously recognised in the Champagne region as one of the most significant vintage wines.

The Champagne Blanc des Millénaires 1996 from the "Collection Crayères" has a golden colour enriched by splendid amber reflections, accompanied by a fine, lively bubble. On the nose it is open and generous and releases aromas of ripe wine: chestnut honey, gingerbread, pecans, saffron and warm butter. On the palate, the aromas perceived on the nose are confirmed, revealing smoky notes of black tea and roasting in the finish. The taste is characterised by the 1996 vintage, with a strong, warm, acidulous and tense personality. Power and tension are the distinctive qualities of this extraordinary and rare Champagne.