In the context of so extreme a vintage, Charles Heidsieck’s 2018 Brut Millésimé is a wine of considerable success. Disgorged in May 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, it soars from the glass with aromas of pomelo, pear and lemon confit, mingling with brioche and jasmine, framed by a deft touch of smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied and enveloping, with a fleshy and charming fruit core, enlivened by ripe but vibrant acidity and a pillowy mousse, concluding with a toasty, saline-tinged finish. Flamboyant and immediately seductive, it promises a broad window of enjoyment. The blend consists of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.

By Kristaps Karklins September 2025