Gift Box: This legendary wine, which has been awarded numerous medals and trophies, deserves an exceptional case. The Crayères gift box mirrors the curves of the crayères cellars and echoes the nobility of this location where nothing counts except time itself. Blanc des Millénaires 2006: Finesse, minerality and brilliance. White is not a colour. It is a light. At Charles Heidsieck, Blanc is a universe, a dazzling reflection of the House’s daring achievements. A diamond amongst Charles Heidsieck cuvees, the Blanc des Millénaires takes its incomparable nuances from the pale surroundings of the thousand-year-old Crayères, or chalk cellars. Because of their exceptional qualities, few Blancs de Blancs will reach this level of excellence. The legend continues: “Blanc des Millénaires”: this exceptional cuvée is named in honour of its ageing conditions. Acquired more than 150 years ago by the founder, the thousand-year old crayères of the House hold a central space in the creation of this cuvée such as time, fourth varietal of the House. In 1993,Charles Heidsieck presents for the first time Blanc des Millénaires in its prestigious vintage1983. It was at the time the affirmation of a know-how in the elaboration of Blanc de Blancs (the oldest being from 1949), and the will to affirm a style. Since then, the House has revealed only five vintages have seen the light of day: 1985, 1990, 1995, 2004. This year, the House is revealing vintage 2006. Enlightened selection of best Chardonnays: Blancs des Millénaires are Blanc de Blancs produced from the best Chardonnays, deeply rooted in the unique terroir of the Côte des Blancs which owes its name to the distinctive characteristic of being made with over 95% of Chardonnay grapes. It is a treasured gem of an area, its vineyards give birth to elegant wines with superb finesse and liveliness. Just five of the main crus from the Côte des Blancs, comprising four Grands Crus and one Premier Cru are painstakingly selected for their ability to develop as well as to fully express their richness once mature. The terroir of Oger for its finesse and smoothness,Le Mesnil-sur-Ogerfor its structure,Avizefor its minerality, Cramant for its complexity, and Vertus for its vibrancy and floral notes. Tasting Notes: A deep golden hue with glints of light green, invoking an image of sunshine playing on leaves. Floral notes of violets and acacia lead into deeper notes of blood orange and finally a hint of the Mediterranean maquis. When swirled in the glass, fruity notes appear (fresh pineapple, apricot, fig, date) with a pronounced intensity. In the mouth, remarkable texture is the special signature of Blanc des Millénaires. Beginning with a saline and chalky texture, the palate moves into creamy notes of nougat, citrus and whipped cream, with a round and generous finish, almost glowing with toasted accents. Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay 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 have built exceptional relationships with the most experienced growers across the Champagne region, and can draw on a rich palette of crus. Precise selection of grapes takes place from 60 specific sites. Vineyards which are integral to producing grapes which build the house style are Oger for Chardonnay for its texture, floral notes and ageing ability, Ambonnay for Pinot Noir for its power, vinosity and fruit, and Verneuil for Pinot Meunier for its acidity, body and aromatics.