1983 Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires Collection Crayeres
Charles Heidsieck:
Paying homage to his historic cellars, Charles Heidsieck unveils its greatest treasure to œnophiles through a Collection called “Crayères”. Just like an old tome where every page recounts dazzling quests, an œnothèque of staggering vintages is to be revealed in a first edition of five incredible cuvées.
Time, like a “fourth varietal”, has crafted the soul of the wines in the Crayères Collection. Extended ageing on lees has unlocked the full potential of their aromas. Each vintage has its own signature, its own generous tone. Rooted in the highest standards and precise construction, all promise to deliver a harmonious combination of avours.
Selectively released, whosoever is lucky enough to enjoy these precious jewels can boast of experiencing the dream of travelling through time.
97 points - Decanter
When I first tasted the 1983 Millenaires 10 years ago, it stood a little shy compared with the more extrovert, splendiferous '85.. But in 2017 it seems finer and fresher, with even more class. Shimmering green-gold in colour, it's a fragrant, super-fresh champagne with tropical fruit flavours and a lace-like, caressing mousse. It's intense rather than over-concentrated, the finest texture supported by digestible acidity, lifting richness and opulence. This still has much to give. Disgorged in 1991.
19/20 points - Jancis Robinson
Disgorged 1991. Debut vintage (Blanc de Blancs 1981 was a prototype). This was an underrated vintage, according to Cyril Brun.
Darker even than the 1990. Very vibrant nose, real intensity and verve. Nicely balanced and beautifully mannered. Entrancing. Definitely not going to get better but it’s absolutely lovely now. Very fine acidity counterbalanced by just the right amount of fruit and creaminess. Superb! (JR)
96 points - Tyson Stelzer
Charles Heidsieck:
Paying homage to his historic cellars, Charles Heidsieck unveils its greatest treasure to œnophiles through a Collection called “Crayères”. Just like an old tome where every page recounts dazzling quests, an œnothèque of staggering vintages is to be revealed in a first edition of five incredible cuvées.
Time, like a “fourth varietal”, has crafted the soul of the wines in the Crayères Collection. Extended ageing on lees has unlocked the full potential of their aromas. Each vintage has its own signature, its own generous tone. Rooted in the highest standards and precise construction, all promise to deliver a harmonious combination of avours.
Selectively released, whosoever is lucky enough to enjoy these precious jewels can boast of experiencing the dream of travelling through time.
97 points - Decanter
When I first tasted the 1983 Millenaires 10 years ago, it stood a little shy compared with the more extrovert, splendiferous '85.. But in 2017 it seems finer and fresher, with even more class. Shimmering green-gold in colour, it's a fragrant, super-fresh champagne with tropical fruit flavours and a lace-like, caressing mousse. It's intense rather than over-concentrated, the finest texture supported by digestible acidity, lifting richness and opulence. This still has much to give. Disgorged in 1991.
19/20 points - Jancis Robinson
Disgorged 1991. Debut vintage (Blanc de Blancs 1981 was a prototype). This was an underrated vintage, according to Cyril Brun.
Darker even than the 1990. Very vibrant nose, real intensity and verve. Nicely balanced and beautifully mannered. Entrancing. Definitely not going to get better but it’s absolutely lovely now. Very fine acidity counterbalanced by just the right amount of fruit and creaminess. Superb! (JR)
96 points - Tyson Stelzer
Charles Heidsieck:
Paying homage to his historic cellars, Charles Heidsieck unveils its greatest treasure to œnophiles through a Collection called “Crayères”. Just like an old tome where every page recounts dazzling quests, an œnothèque of staggering vintages is to be revealed in a first edition of five incredible cuvées.
Time, like a “fourth varietal”, has crafted the soul of the wines in the Crayères Collection. Extended ageing on lees has unlocked the full potential of their aromas. Each vintage has its own signature, its own generous tone. Rooted in the highest standards and precise construction, all promise to deliver a harmonious combination of avours.
Selectively released, whosoever is lucky enough to enjoy these precious jewels can boast of experiencing the dream of travelling through time.
97 points - Decanter
When I first tasted the 1983 Millenaires 10 years ago, it stood a little shy compared with the more extrovert, splendiferous '85.. But in 2017 it seems finer and fresher, with even more class. Shimmering green-gold in colour, it's a fragrant, super-fresh champagne with tropical fruit flavours and a lace-like, caressing mousse. It's intense rather than over-concentrated, the finest texture supported by digestible acidity, lifting richness and opulence. This still has much to give. Disgorged in 1991.
19/20 points - Jancis Robinson
Disgorged 1991. Debut vintage (Blanc de Blancs 1981 was a prototype). This was an underrated vintage, according to Cyril Brun.
Darker even than the 1990. Very vibrant nose, real intensity and verve. Nicely balanced and beautifully mannered. Entrancing. Definitely not going to get better but it’s absolutely lovely now. Very fine acidity counterbalanced by just the right amount of fruit and creaminess. Superb! (JR)
96 points - Tyson Stelzer
