Introduction: The 2005 Rosé took its time to mature: thanks to the sunlight during the year, it developed a generous angular structure that, over the years, became full-bodied and radiant. After more than 10 years on the lees, the wine has today fulfilled its promise, redolent and powerful with excellent ageing potential. Tasting Notes: An elegant pearly pink robe with a delicate, joyful effervescence. The nose initially offers a deep and powerful luxuriance with notes of kirsch and exceptionally ripe cherries, fleshy plums, pomegranates and cranberries. Rich, radiant and generous, this cornucopia of ripe fruit introduces a universe redolent with pastry, with the notes of brioche and fresh butter that characterise the spirit of this vintage. On the palate subtle flavours of candied grapefruit and warm underbrush. Unbridled and indulgent, the wine is luxurious, with a powerful palate and terrific breadth. The palate thrills to the full body and long-lasting aromatic persistence. 2005 In Champagne – An Exceptional Vintage: The 2005 harvest in Champagne was particularly successful due to a cold, dry winter, an early heat wave in June that promoted flowering, a reasonable amount of rainfall in the summer and, finally, a return to high temperatures in early September, ideal for ripening the grapes. The Harvest: The first grapes were brought in on 9 September. The weather was magnificent, cool, dry and sunny. Cool nights helped to boost the level of sugar in the grapes. Thanks to the heat and rain, grapes were plump, heavier than average and showed an exemplary level of sugar with a potential alcohol level of about 10%. In addition to these promising points, excellent acidity ensured perfect balance and very promising ageing potential for this vintage. First tastings reveal exceptional chardonnays, and subtle and aromatic pinots noirs. Background Information: Charles Heidsieck is one of most admired Champagne houses thanks to the unrivalled and consistently high quality of its wines. The current range is one of the most awarded collections of wines in the world, something underlined when Chef de Cave Thierry Roset was named ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge this year. This was the 15th time that Charles Heidsieck’s winemaking team had won this award, but the first for Thierry, who has been working at the house since 1988. He took over the reins in 2012, having worked with both the great Régis Camus and the legendary Daniel Thibault. This winemaking legacy, paired with the house’s flamboyant history since its foundation in 1851 by the man who would become known as ‘Champagne Charlie’, makes it a unique offering from Champagne: a house with great wines, champagne heritage and proven quality throughout its range. Charles Heidsieck benefit from the richness available across the entire Champagne region, having built exceptional relationships with the most experienced growers. They select grapes from 120 crus across the Champagne appellation.