NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
Buying options
Tasting notes
Based on the 2019 vintage and enriched by 50% reserve wines—stored in steel tanks and incorporating some 100 individual wines, averaging a decade in age—Charles Heidsieck’s NV Brut Réserve opens with aromas of candied lemon peel, ripe pear and pineapple mingling with buttered toast and a hint of burnt sugar. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, charming and textural, with a sweet and fleshy fruit core, succulent yet vibrant acidity and a persistent, toasty finish. Disgorged in 2024 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, after nearly four years aging sur lattes, it represents another strong rendition of this reliable cuvée.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
James Halliday
More reviews and scores
The 2019 base was disgorged in 2024, and the NV Champagne Reserve Brut, with the oldest wine in the blend, is around 20 years old, while the heart of the blend averages ten years of age. It pours a golden yellow color and offers a signature style with a frothy mousse, brioche, almond skin, apricot, and preserved citrus. Medium to full-bodied, it expands on the palate, with a rounded mouthfeel and a chalky richness of texture. Drink 2025-2035. This year, Émilien Erard has been appointed as Cellar Master of Charles Heidsieck. The shift follows Elise Losfelt’s departure to return to her family estate in the Languedoc, Château de l’Engarran. Mr. Erard has been working at the estate since 2018, alongside both Elise Losfelt and, previously, Cyril Brun. Mrs. Losfelt’s tenure oversaw the 2023 and 2024 vintages at the house. The wines for this report were tasted at the estate in Reims with CEO Stephen Leroux and Émilien Erard.
The Charles Heidsieck NV Brut Réserve is elaborated with 150 different wines from most of 60 crus. This is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier with 50% of reserve wines. Disgorged in 2022 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, it has a delicate bouquet with aromas of orchard fruit, apricot, warm biscuits, praline, pastry and lemon hints. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and fleshy, the palate is charming with lively acids and a chalky finish. It’s approachable now but also evolving with grace.
'Laid in chalk cellars 2018. Disgorged in 2022.' The specially ornate label celebrating 200 years since Charles Heidsieck's birth adorned with the message '200 years of Liberty', which UK importers Liberty Wines (founded 1997) must find quite amusing. Bright pale copper colour. Youthful nose promises further evolution. (An earlier cuvée of this wine served at the end of the Tolpuddle vertical was notably deeper-flavoured.) Everything's in balance but I'd put this away for a year or two so that you can celebrate 201 or 202 years of Liberty in style. (JR)
About the producer
Founded by the original “Champagne Charlie”, Champagne Charles Heidsieck is one of the region’s smaller Houses but also one of its most quality-focused. From its Brut Réserve to its prestige cuvée, Blanc des Millénaires, the wines are rich, vinous and complex.