1990 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Collection Crayeres

Only 2,000 cases made… Disgorged 2021 - 30 bottles released.

97 points - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
Understated excellence. Very refined in texture. Complex, revealing honey, coffee, citrus confit and ginger notes enmeshed in the supple, fine-grained texture. Firm yet perfectly integrated. A beautiful, stately expression of Chardonnay from Champagne.

1990 in Champagne
Despite severe frosts in the spring, the vineyards enjoyed hot weather throughout the growing cycle. Not since 1950 had the sun been so strong; grapes had never experienced so much sunlight. There was, however, no drought like in 1976 or 1959. Just at the perfect moment, as the situation became dire, it would rain. As a result, the vine stocks, deeply rooted in the chalky soil’s water reserves, did not suffer. The heat hindered the development of disease and parasites, leading to perfectly healthy grapes at the harvest.

From Charles Heidsieck:
Blend
100% Chardonnay

To the Eye:
Blanc des Millénaires 1990 has a deep golden yellow color with slightly copper glints.

On the Nose:
Distinctive, it reveals notes of cocoa, caramel, and chocolate developing into a bouquet of earthy and truffle-like fragrances.

On the Palate:
It is a generous, full-bodied wine, whose intense richness is enhanced by a subtle hint of bitterness. Peanut butter and earthy notes punctuate the excellent finish of this Blanc des Millénaires.