Charles Heidsieck Unveils Millennium Collection

Julia Mann
Posted: June 22, 1999

This summer, the Charles Heidsieck Champagne house will release a special collection of Champagnes to celebrate the millennium. Selections from L'Oenotheque Charles Heidsieck, the house's "wine library," will first be sold at an exclusive auction at Sotheby's in London on June 23.

Eighteen different Champagnes -- 12 of which are being sold at the auction in a total of 45 lots -- will be available in a mix of bottles, magnums and jeroboams. "We chose those wines that are the best expression of each style," said Philippe Petit, one of the seven enologists who selected the wines for the library with Heidsieck head winemaker Daniel Thibault. "We also chose the older vintages to show the value of aging Champagne, which is too often neglected," Petit said.

The Heidsieck (pronounced HIDE-sick) collection consists of Royal Brut 1970; Charles Heidsieck Brut 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1989; Charlie Brut 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1985; Blanc de Blancs 1982; Blanc des Millenaires 1983; the non-vintage Reserve Privee Mis en Cave en 1987, 1988 and 1990; and the non-vintage Reserve Charlie Mis en Cave en 1990.

Starting in July, the selections will be available directly from the Champagne house itself, in Reims, France. In the fall, the wines will be sold in the United States through the company's importer, Remy Amerique. The wines may be purchased by the individual bottle or case, or in sets that combine the various styles, vintages and/or bottle sizes. U.S. prices have not yet been set.

For recent ratings of Charles Heidsieck Champagnes, check the Wine Search.

To learn more about Charles Heidsieck:

January 31, 1999
Charles Heidsieck Takes the Guesswork Out of Champagne

May 31, 1998
Champagne Uncorked

For our most recent Champagne tasting report:

December 31, 1998
For Champagne, the Time is Now