Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 89
The NV (2019) Brut Reserve is a fine introduction to the range. Pear, green apple, brioche, white flowers and a touch of reduction all take shape in the glass. This mid-weight, racy Champagne is all charm. Disgorged: 2024.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2030
Vinous 92
The NV Brut Reserve blends 40% each of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with 20% Pinot Meunier, containing up to 50% aged reserve wines. It spent four years on lees and opens with its characteristic smoky, sultry reduction. Redcurrant and lemon follow, leading to an ultra-clear, bright, vivid palate that is limpid with Chardonnay and structured with Pinot fruit, managing to be rich and rounded without a gram of fat. Supple autolysis appears as slightly peppery rye crumb, sitting well with this reductive style. Dosage is 9 grams per liter.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2030
Wine Advocate 92
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 Reserve 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 cuvee.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2035
JancisRobinson.com 16.5+
‘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 cuvee 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)
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2030
James Suckling 93
A creamy and silky champagne that has notes of lemons, pastries and apple compote on the nose. It s medium-bodied and layered with fine bubbles and tasty pastry notes on the fresh, balanced finish. Drink now.
