14 Charles Heidsieck Champagnes & Australia’s Launch Tasting of the 2 new releases;
Blanc des Millénaires 2017 & Champagne Charlie MIC 2020
Lamont’s Cottesloe is proud to host the Official Australian Launch of Charles Heidsieck’s Blanc des Millénaires 2017, marking the first opportunity in the country to taste and experience this new release at our launch dinner. Presented in our restaurant, by our host, Heidsieck’s Chef de Caves, Émilien Erard. This evening celebrates the arrival of one of Champagne’s most revered cuvées, including a rare and extensive eight-vintage vertical of Blanc des Millénaires…
2017 | 2014 | 2007 | 2006 | 2004 | 1996 | 1995 | 1985
Could it get any better?
Well… this evening also showcases the launch of the iconic Champagne Charlie MIC 2020.
Tuesday, March 17th
The Official Australian Launch Dinner:
6.30pm, 14 Charles Heidsieck Champagnes and 5 Kate Lamont Courses | $995.00
[Limited to 40 Pax.]
Charles Heidsieck in Context…
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“Among the greatest of all champagne houses there is no common recipe for success, and the rise and rise of Charles Heidsieck over the past decades, and in particular the last 13 years, has been defined by an especially unique and turbulent journey… and to this day it remains one of just four houses deserving of my top ranking.”
Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide VII
Of the three Champagne houses named Heidsieck - all originating from families once related - Charles is the smallest and arguably, the best. Established in 1851 by the nephew of Piper-Heidsieck's owner, Charles Heidsieck himself was the original 'Champagne Charlie'.
He gained the nickname during his travels around America in the mid-19th Century - a country whose introduction to Champagne is credited to Charles.
In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has pumped significant finance into the companies allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing, and production. The brands are now growing their sales quite fast after many decades of decline. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Piper-Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims.
Charles Heidsieck champagnes have a rich history of being served at various
infamous events; it was the chosen Champagne of the European royalty in the late 1800s; a photograph from Robert Falcon Scott's fated expedition to Antarctica shows the party drinking Charles Heidsieck at their Christmas dinner; in 1977 the house produced a special vintage for the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and in 1981 a 'Royal Wedding Cuvée' was served to celebrate the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
thefinestbubble.com -
Excerpt taken from The Real Review, Wine Spotlight, Anthony Rose, 2020.
….Enter Blanc des Millénaires.
Charles Heidsieck had been making a blanc de blancs Champagne from the beginning of the 20th century. They went on to bottle a vintage blanc de blancs from WW2 until the 1980s, but after they decided to discontinue the non-vintage, Daniel Thibault took the decision to produce a ‘quintessence’ of vintage blanc de blancs, calling it Blanc des Millénaires after the nearly two millenia-old crayères.
Based on pure chardonnay in a blend of five of the best crus of the Côtes des Blancs, the first vintage of Blanc des Millénaires, the 1983, was launched in 1993. A 1985 was to follow, and, since then, only four further vintages, the 1990, 1995, 2004 and now the 2006 vintage, have seen the light of day.
The blend consists of 20% from each of the five Côte des Blanc crus of Cramant, Avize, Le Mesnil, Oger and Vertus. The first four are grands crus, Vertus is a premier cru. According to cellar master Cyril Brun, each cru is chosen for its capacity to bring something unique to the blend. Cramant brings complexity and finesse, Oger a degree of opulence, Avize exotic fruit and minerality, Le Mesnil balance and also mineral notes. Finally, Vertus, the only premier cru after the four grands crus, is selected for its freshness and texture.
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1985 Blanc des Millénaires
97 Points - The Wine Advocate
95 Points - Decanter
18.5/20 - Jancis Robinson
1995 Blanc des Millénaires
Champion Sparkling
Wine of Show Trophy, IWC 2016Gold medals each year 2012-16 International Wine Challenge …
Gold medals each year 2011-16 Decanter World Wine Awards.
96 Points - The Wine Advocate
95 Points - Wine Spectator
1996 Blanc des Millénaires
100 Points - James Suckling
99 points - Tyson Stelzer,
“Simply Exceptional.” 19+/20 - Nick Baker
2004 Blanc des Millénaires
Platinum Best in Show – 98 Points and highest pointed Champagne in Show. Decanter World Wine Awards 2019.
98 Points - Wine Enthusiast
99 Points - Falstaff
97 Points - Decanter Magazine
95 Points - The Wine Advocate
95 Points - Wine Spectator
2006 Blanc des Millénaires
96 Points - Wine Spectator
95 Points - James Suckling
2007 Blanc des Millénaires
98 Points - Tyson Stelzer
Gold Medal IWC 2022
Trophy Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne IWC 2022
97 Points - Wine Enthusiast
96 Points - James Suckling
96 Points - Decanter
95 Points - The Wine Advocate
96 Points Guide Bettane et Desseauve
2014 Blanc des Millénaires
Best in Show & 97 Points Decanter World Wine Awards 2024
97 Points - James Suckling
2017 Blanc des Millénaires (New Release)
Be one of the first to taste the new release 2017 vintage at our exclusive dinner event.
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“Among the greatest of all champagne houses there is no common recipe for success, and the rise and rise of Charles Heidsieck over the past decades, and in particular the last 13 years, has been defined by an especially unique and turbulent journey… and to this day it remains one of just four houses deserving of my top ranking.”
Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide VII
Brut Reserve NV
Trophy - IWC 2023 Best NV Champagne Classic Blend
- Gold Medal & 95 Points IWC 2023
- Gold Medal & 95 Points IWC 2022
- Gold Medal IWC 2019
- Gold Medal & Champion Trophy IWC 2018
- Gold Medal IWC 2016
- Gold Medal IWC 2015
- Gold Medal & Trophy NV Champagne IWC 2013
- Gold Medal IWC 2012
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2022
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2021
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2018
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2017
- Gold Medal & Best in Class Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2016
- Gold Medal & Best in Class Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2015
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2014
- Best in Show Mundus Vini 2023
- Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2021
- Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2019
- Master Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2018
- Master Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2017
- Master Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2017
- Master Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2015
- Master Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2014
- Gold Medal Sommelier Wine Awards 2014
- Gold Medal & Best in Show Sommelier Wine Awards 2013
- Gold Medals Decanter World Wine Awards 2013
- Gold Medals & trophy Winner Decanter World Wine Awards 2012Brut Rosé Reserve NV
- Gold Medal & 95 Points IWC 2023
- Gold Medal IWC 2021
- Gold Medal IWC 2019
- Gold Medal IWC 2018
- Gold Medal & Trophy Finest Rose Champagne NV IWC 2015
- Gold Medal IWC 2014
- Gold Medal IWC 2013
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2022
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2021
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2018
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2017
- Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2023
- Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2019
- Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2028
- Master Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2020
- Gold Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2018
- Gold Medal Sommelier Wine Awards 2017
– Gold Medal 97 points & Best in Show, Decanter World Wine AwardsBlanc de Blanc NV
- Gold Medal & 95 Points IWC 2022
- Gold Medal IWC 2021
- Gold Medal IWC 2019
- Gold Medal Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2021
- Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2023
- Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2019
- Gold Medals Drink Business Champagne Masters 2018
- Gold Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2022
- Platinum Medal, 97 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards 2022Blanc des Millénaires 2014
- 98 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
- 97 Points, James Suckling
- 97 points, Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide (Tasted 2024)Blanc des Millénaires Brut 1996
- 100 Points, James Suckling
- 99 points, Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide (Tasted 2024)Blanc De Millenaires 2007
- Gold Medal IWC 2022
- Trophy Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne IWC 2022
- 97 Points Wine Enthusiast
- 96 Points James Suckling
- 96 Points Decanter
- 95 Points The Wine Advocate
- 96 Points Guide Bettane et Desseauve
- 94 Ponints Jeb Dunnuck
- 3 Stars Hachette des vins guide -
Charles Heidsieck is proud to announce the appointment of Émilien Erard as its new Chef de Caves. A fifth-generation member of a Champagne winegrowing family, Émilien represents a meeting of heritage—combining deep regional roots with an intimate knowledge of the Maison’s identity and style.
A native of Champagne, Émilien brings to the role over 15 years of experience and a profound connection to the region’s terroir and traditions. A graduate of the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne with a National Diploma in Oenology, Émilien began his winemaking journey at Billecart-Salmon and later held positions at Ayala and in regional cooperatives. His background reflects both technical precision and an enduring appreciation for the land and people behind each cuvée.
Émilien joined Charles Heidsieck in 2018 to manage winery operations and over time expanded his role to include grower partnerships and vineyard sourcing. In 2022, he became a member of the Tasting Committee, contributing to the blending of the Maison’s cuvées and helping define the Charles Heidsieck style—known for its generosity, depth, and exceptional aging potential.
“Émilien is Champagne through and through,” said Stephen Leroux, CEO of Charles Heidsieck. “His roots as a fifth-generation grower and his experience within our walls make him uniquely suited to lead our winemaking vision. With Émilien, it’s truly heritage meeting heritage—guided by a thoughtful, modern approach to the craft.”
Today, Émilien leads the cellar team in shaping the future of Charles Heidsieck’s wines, which are matured deep underground in the Maison’s historic Gallo-Roman Crayères beneath Reims—acquired by the founder in 1867. There, time is treated as the fourth varietal, a philosophy at the heart of the Charles Heidsieck style, built on reserve wines, time, blending, and texture.
“It’s a great honor to step into this role,” said Émilien Erard. “Charles Heidsieck has always stood apart for its dedication to aging, its use of reserve wines, and its quiet confidence. I look forward to continuing that legacy while evolving our style with care and conviction.”
At just 35 years old, Émilien is among the youngest Chef de Caves leading a Grand Marque Champagne house—bringing a dynamic perspective grounded in deep tradition. His appointment reflects a deep-rooted respect for heritage—both that of the Maison and his own family, who have grown grapes in Champagne for five generations under the name Champagne Erard-Salmon.
(foliowine.com)
The Wine List & (Menu TBC)
On Arrival
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV
Shark Bay whiting, tempura, lemon, fennel
First Course
Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie MIC 2020 (Launch)
This is the second release of the newly revived Champagne Charlie Cuvee with 45% from 2019, the Chardonnay from Vertus and Pinot Noir from Bouzy, this shows the elegance of the year, fairly warm, but with cooler night time temperatures promoting ripe fruit character with underlying freshness. With 66% chardonnay it’s more on the smoky reductive side and delicious yellow fruits, lots of grapefruit, lemon, lime and charred pineapple and a distinct bitter orange core. The palate is where you notice the 55% reserves, there is more of that rich texture coming forward. A very elegant fine bubble and light fluffy texture is very appealing, concentration yet super lightness.
19/20 Points, Nick Baker, The Finest Bubble
Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2018
Very polished. Medium-bodied with lovely, sophisticated yet subtle flavors of dried apricots, grapefruit and peaches. Finely structured with creamy bubbles that give tension and focus. Touch of salt. Long and satisfying. A blend of 55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay. Dosage 8 g/L. Drink now.
96 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2000
The deep yellow colour reflects maturity, as does the delightful roast-hazelnut and buttered-toast bouquet. It’s very mouth-filling, full-bodied and explodes on the palate, with a multi-faceted personality and a finish that powers on and on. Bottle-age and autolysis both play a big role in the bouquet and flavour. Ready now. 12 per cent alcohol.
97 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Roasted peach, stracciatella, basil
Second Course
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2017 (Launch)
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2014
This is an iconic wine, a pure expression of Chardonnay. With its intense crisp apple aroma and just the first hint of toasty maturity, the Champagne is perfectly in balance. Drink this fine wine now.
98 Points - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
The launch of Blanc des Millénaires 2004 and 2006 at 15 years of age and 2007 and 14 makes 2014 appear young at a full decade of age in its radiant, pale straw hue. The vector of purity presented by the top crus of the Côte des Blancs in this underrated season is magnificent, beautifully wrapped in the creamy, caressing texture and generosity that define Charles. There is an immediacy to this release that reflects a warm and dry harvest in beautifully seductive white peach, fig and all the magnificence of a decade of maturity in brioche, mixed spice and vanilla cream. It presents magnificent line and length, culminating a finish of glittering, showering chalk minerality.
97 points, Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide (Tasted 2024)
Abrolhos scallops, kaffir lime, pancetta
Third Course
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2007
Gold Medal IWC 2022
Trophy Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne IWC 2022
The pristine purity and focus of 2007 Blanc des Millénaires holds it steadfast and resolute, and at 17 years of age its endurance is proclaimed in primary freshness that epitomises the greatest crus of the Côte des Blancs. White peach, grapefruit and lemon unite with apple and pear, basking in the generosity and the creamy texture that build the inimitable mouthfeel of Charles. A glittering cascade of chalk minerality is energised by the beautiful natural acidity of 2007, driving a finish of brilliant line and length, promising a spectacular future over the coming decade.
98 points, Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide (Tasted 2024)
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2006
A textbook blanc de blancs in a relatively opulent style, with ample grilled nut, brioche and spice character alongside classic flavors of poached apricot, kumquat, oyster shell and lemon blossom. This rich profile is well-defined by racy acidity, sleek and well-cut, driving the long, lacy finish. A beauty. Drink now through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,500 cases made, 185 cases imported.
96 Points - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator [December 15, 2020]
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2004
This is an iteration of a legendary Champagne. Perfectly balanced, still packed with white fruit but just touching nuttiness, the wine is at its peak. Celebrating one of the great Champagne vintages of this century, this wine is totally memorable and magnificent.
98 Points - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
The one wine poured solo rather than one of a pair made up of 2002 and 2004 in this comparative tasting, so not really blind. Mytik cork. Not the tensest of these champagnes but beautifully balanced. Super-pleasant with everything in place. Great confidence. A good follow up to the copious 1995.
19/20 - Jancis Robinson [14 Nov 2019]
Gnocchi, mushrooms, green peppercorn
Fourth Course
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 1996
A perfect, aged blanc de blancs with superb aromas of chalk, pie crust, limes and green apples with buttered popcorn, jasmine and hints of green tobacco. Medium-bodied, this has a compacted palate of dense dried fruit, turning to caramel and pie crust with an energized, vivid finish. Goes on for a minute. Aged almost 25 years on the lees. Released July 24, 2024. Drink now. Only 4,000 bottles made.
100 Points - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (July 2025)
The 1996 vintage marks the ninth release of this remarkable cuvée
At a mesmerising 28 years of age, this might go down as the latest first (official) release of a champagne vintage. There is still a brightness of radiant straw to its medium yellow hue, astonishingly luminous for such grand old age. The palate presents a captivating journey that encapsulates its slow passage through almost three decades. This is a cuvée to experience in the absence of any distractions, because you do not want to miss any moment of its thrilling dips and swoops as it reveals its multifaceted dimensions for thirty seconds after you swallow. Some wines reveal their grandeur in undeviating linearity, but here the ride is all about thrilling acceleration and breathtaking turns and swoops! The energy of the greatest crus of the Cote des Blancs sustains purity astonishingly vibrant at this age, still reminiscent of grapefruit, lemon, apple and fig, while the voluptuous personality of Charles is declared in the most enticing glacé pear, crème brûlée and freshly churned butter. Then subtle, grand depth of tertiary arises in white truffle, butter croissant, pipe smoke, candle wax and layers of glorious spice. The finish delivers tremendous concentration true to the fabled 1996 season, presented with persistence and drive. Glittering chalk minerality is energised by enduring acidity, but more than anything it is the glossy, creamy, waxy texture of Charles heightened in grand old age by almost a quarter century on lees that defines its unique magnificence. The house has been exceedingly disciplined in holding off 28 years for its release, finally unleashing it in a mesmerising moment in its grand arc of evolution, which it shows every promise of confidently holding for at least a few more years, without demanding any further age.
99 points, Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide (Tasted 2024)
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 1995
Best Sparkling Trophies every year 2011-16 in either Decanter Awards or the IWC – the World’s two great Wine Shows.
Gold medals each year 2012-16 International Wine Challenge …
Gold medals each year 2011-16 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Drunk from a bottle that was disgorged in 2016, the 1995 Blanc des Millenaires continues to show very well, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of waxy citrus rind, dried pear, walnut oil, warm bread and fresh pastry. On the palate, it's full-bodied, enveloping and chalky, with a rich and muscular core, lively acids and a long, precise finish. Impeccably balanced, this is a cuvée I have drunk on many occasions and which used to be well-represented in my own cellar, but this is as good a bottle as I have ever encountered. In the plenitude of full-maturity, now is a great time to pop corks.
96 Points - The Wine Advocate
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 1985
Disgorged 20 years ago, the golden colored 1985 Blanc des Millenaires – comprised of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir – displays a deep and beautifully matured nose with wax, honey, caramel and butterscotch aromas. Full-flavored, rich and highly elegant in the mouth, with great intensity, structure and complexity in the aromas, this 31-year-old prestige cuvée is fascinatingly vital – although there are almost no bubbles visible. There are dried stone fruit flavors in the finish. A great drinking experience.
97 Points - The Wine Advocate
Roasted prawns, miso butter, cucumber
Fifth Course
Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve NV
97 points & Best in Show, Decanter World Wine Awards
The pink wave sweeping the wine world at present hasn’t left Champagne behind -- but Champagne’s way with pink wine is as distinctive as the rest of its wine offer. You cannot make wines here which are vanishingly pale, petal-pretty and evanescent: there is just too much character, strike and drive on offer in Champagne’s raw materials. There are many great Champagne ripostes to the pink festival of restraint elsewhere, but this salmon-copper rose, with its cavalier autumn fruits and its sheer breadth and audacity of flavour, struck our judges as one of the most memorable. Long, bold flavours subside slowly, vinously and lingeringly in this great gastronomic rose wine.
97 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
Charles Heidsieck Rosé Vintage 2018
Rich and delicious with sliced-strawberry and pie-crust aromas and flavors with hints of cooked butter. Full-bodied with layers of fruit and fine bubbles. More like a delicate red on the palate. Pinot noir from Bouzy and chardonnay mostly from Vertus. Dosage 9 g/L. Drink now.
95 Points - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Chicken Bisteya, Jus
To Finish…
Salted caramel affogato to finish