Charles Heidsieck: ‘these two 2018s are spectacular’

Charles-Camille Heidsieck was the original Champagne Charlie. He got that nickname for selling 25,000 cases of Champagne to American high society at the outset of the American Civil War; he is widely thought of as the man who did more than any other to popularise Champagne in the United States. He also got himself thrown in prison on suspicion of being a spy (which caused a diplomatic incident with France), but after inheriting a third of Denver he had enough money in his pocket to formally found (technically re-found) Champagne Charles Heidsieck. 

The house of Charles Heidsieck is based in Reims. It is the smallest of the Grand Marque houses, but has a fabulous reputation for the quality of its Champagnes; Charles Heidsieck winemakers have scooped the 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' award at the International Wine Challenge sixteen times over the last thirty years. No other house has managed that more than twice. 

In brut and in rose, the house has turned out a stunning brace of 2018s which we're delighted to offer. The year was marked by the contrast of a very wet spring rebounding into a hot, dry summer. That has led to generous, rich Champagnes which (thanks to the judicious selection of base wines, in particular some overperforming Chardonnay from Trigny) have a thrilling line of acidity. For the brut, think quince and brioche; for the rose, blood orange and peony. /NT

During the course of this year, I predict only a handful [of Champagne releases] will be genuinely eye-catching - those that are of sufficient 'must-buy status' to make it into my Finest Fifty round-up at Christmas.  These are two of them!  There is no doubt that these two 2018s are spectacular.  The white wine is truly sensational, and you can open it now without worrying about a knock on the door from the wine police.  That said, it will age for a decade with ease, too.  The elegance and magnetism of white flowers and delicate orchard fruit on the nose and palate are magnificent. There is infinite detail here, and gentle, almost electrical pulses of teasing acidity maintain a heightened level of drama throughout.  This is a thrillingly beautiful wine. [...] The yin and yang of the 2018 Charles Heidsieck is fascinating, and you need both in your collection to find completeness. 
Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com, March 2025

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines due to arrive imminently. To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998