In a break from the norm, Simon does not extol the virtues of this Champagne. Instead, he'll let the follow reviews take care of it!
I would challenge you to find a fully mature Champagne with such consistent results in competitions and plaudits from varied critics at anything like this price. See below for recent awards and commentary:
2014 International Wine Challenge – Gold
2013 International Wine Challenge – Trophy Winner ‘Vintage Rosé Champagne’ and Gold
2013 Decanter World Wine Awards – Trophy Winner
2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition – Gold Outstanding
2013 Sommelier Wine Awards – Gold
The Wine Spectator awarded this vintage 94 points in November 2014:
‘Rich and toasty in aroma, this seamless rosé is aging gracefully, offering a silky mousse and vibrant acidity that structures the grilled hazelnut, fleur de sel, raspberry coulis, spiced plum and spun honey flavors. A delicious Champagne. Drink now through 2024.’
Interestingly, The Wine Spectator’s panel have tasted the 1999 vintage on seven occasions from 2006 through to 2014. The score progression is as follows: 88, 91, 92, 94, 94, 93, 94, suggesting that it has benefited from time in bottle.
Jancis Robinson MW awarded this vintage 18 points in May 2014:
‘Very ripe, intense nose. Lots of complexity. Rewards being served at cellar temperature. Something a little rose petal-like about this but very complex. Ferns and wild strawberries in a wood.’
And finally, I will leave you with the words of French wine critic Michel Bettane, who is a key member on the Tasting Panel of The World of Fine Wine and, along with Thierry Desseauve, runs the review guide Bettane & Desseauve. Michel awarded it 19/20 points in 2012:
‘An ethereal almost supernatural dimension, a breathtaking, aromatic refinement, with a deep and extremely supple composition. If happiness exists, you will find it here!
1999 Rosé Millésime, Charles Heidsieck
£225 per six bottles in bond
I think the above just about says all you need to know. And they say you can’t find happiness at the bottom of a glass!
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