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Charming from the very first sip, the Vintage Brut 2006 expresses more freshness and grace than its predecessor, the Vintage Brut 2005. This distinctive aromatic profile confirms the very ‘raison d’être’ of a vintage wine, the expression of one particular year. The fruit of a year characterized by a generous acidity, this vintage presents excellent ageing potential. Matured for almost ten years in the unique thousand-year-old chalk cellars, this ideal classic fully reveals its complex character and takes its place amongst the most celebrated Champagnes.
Wine Description
The Story
THE CHARLES’ WINE represents a world of elegance and indulgence. It is beautifully balanced and captivatingly complex. The quality demands meticulous attention. A fine-tuned dose of unconventional decisions at each step of the champagne production process.
Each wine has its own personality, its own generous tone. The fresh elegance of Chardonnay. The structure of Pinot Noir. The generosity of Meunier. Blending wines of the year with reserve wines is specific to Champagne; the perfect alliance demands exceptional expertise.
Amongst the House treasures, pride of place for the wine-making team lies in an incredible number of wines that have patiently been put aside for reserve. Selected and set aside for their aromatic potential, these wines are destined to play a role in the blending of a Charles Heidsieck champagne. A Brut Réserve cuvée contains a large proportion of reserve wines (40%), representing an average of 10 years of ageing. A blend pledging an unparalleled texture, a signature of the Charles style.
Time represents a 4th varietal for the Charles Heidsieck House.
Wine Information
In 2006, the winter was cold with a heavy snowfall. After a spring punctuated by several violent thunderstorms in May, summer began with scorching heat. Although July achieved record temperatures for the month, it gave way to a very rainy, cold August. This alternation of hot and cool periods, with a return to dry and sunny weather in September, was particularly beneficial for the maturation of the grapes and successful harvesting.
Tasting notes
Eye: The intense golden robe sparkles brightly with a delicate and vivacious effervescence.
Nose: The wine initially presents a generous nose with floral tones highlighted with a touch of jasmine and honeysuckle. An abundance of fruity aromas then comes alive: white peach, fresh apricot, mirabelle plum, grapefruit and yuzu vie with each other. When swirled in the glass, more subtle notes of bergamot, toasted hazelnut, liquorice and grated coconut confer a superb complexity to this multi-dimensional bouquet.
Palate: Interesting combination of the saline, mineral character and silky texture evoking the flavours of nougat and buttery cream. The effervescence is delicate and suave. With generous tones, the consummate, rich mouthfeel of this champagne is truly inspiring. Its incredible breadth of aromas is a sinful delight to the senses.
Vintage 2006
A cold winter and springtime frosts laid the foundations for this vintage of abundant yields (12,997 kg/ha). Uneventful flowering was followed by exceptionally hot and sunny weather, which lasted until August. A dank August left producers fearful but fortunately warm, bright conditions in September redressed the balance. Harvest commenced on September 9th, producing grapes high in sugar level but notably low on acidity. The general health of the grapes was sufficient, producing wines which excel over the preceding 2005 vintage, another warm and ample year. The year's greatest wines are supple and expressive and despite the richness they escape being overly heavy. Overt and welcoming upon launch, the best come with excellent capacity for ageing. Winey, and richly fruity characters, most Champagnes regrettably miss some tension and finesse. Wines of the vintage include Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Krug Vintage and Dom Pérignon Rosé.
