We are delighted to announce this years wines that will be served at the four annual dinners.
Charles Heidseick is this years Presidential House, with Bollinger as the Outgoing House and Veuve Clicquot as the Incoming House.
Charles Heidsieck Millésime 2012 ‘Concours of Elegance Edition’ en magnum
A VINTAGE SUITED FOR LONG AGEING
The year 2012 made news. Not often does so chaotic and challenging a vintage provide wines with such incredible balance,
concentration and harmony. Today the 2012 vintage has found its place amongst the great Champagne years.
Notes by Cyril Brun,
Cellar Master for Charles Heidsieck
THE YEAR 2012 IN CHAMPAGNE
Harmony reigns despite trying weather conditions
Some people will not hesitate to compare this vintage to spectacular years like 1990 or 1996, and yet the success of the resulting wines might be considered something of a miracle given the challenges of the year.
Nature had us fearing the worst in 2012 when it unleashed a range of climate catastrophes on the vineyards.
The spring brought violent attacks of mildew, torrential rains, hailstorms, cold snaps during flowering, followed by heat and water stress that drove yield down by 30%. But a beautiful, sunny summer enabled slow maturing and good concentration in the grapes, resulting in a late harvest. The grapes proved to be of excellent quality: rich in sugar and with good acidity.
2012 FOR CHARLES HEIDSIECK
2012 was an obvious choice for a Charles Heidsieck to declare as a vintage. After the phenomenal 2008 vintage, which required ageing to show its full potential, 2012 provides
a beautiful contrast as a very classic and elegant vintage. Comprising ten meticulously selected Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, this cuvée is enticing for its pleasant smoothness,
aromatic intensity and the saline freshness that is so typical of the House. Its elegance and depth make it ideal for enjoying and pairing with the most sophisticated dishes.
Perfectly suited for further ageing.
APPEARANCE
The 2012 vintage is a beautiful pale golden yellow; with fine bubbles that are both delicate and dynamic.
ON THE NOSE
Initially, the nose shows subtle toasted and smoked notes with a touch of liquorice and earthy tones. When swirled in the glass, fruity notes of apricot, blackthorn, quince, blueberry and fresh almonds add an extra dimension to the wine. this incredible aromatic concentration, very typical of the year, is the focus of the wine’s merit.
ON THE PALATE
Mineral and taut with excellent freshness, with notes of quince, vanilla and vineyard
peaches on the mid-palate, followed by a firm, crisp finish.
An excellent pairing with smoked dishes such as smoked eel, smoked Scamorza, and roast chicken with chicory sauce.
A lovely vintage which will continue to develop great complexity and generosity over time.
BLEND 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
COMPOSITION 10 Grands and Premiers Crus:
Oger, Vertus, Chouilly, Cuis, Verzy, Aÿ, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières,
AGEING Minimum 6 years on the lees
DOSAGE 8g/l
TO BE ENJOYED Within 10 years
Charles Heidsieck Rose Reserve Champagne NV
A sophisticated powdery pink rosé, with luminous glints of wild rose. Delicate, vivacious bubbles are the result of an ageing period of over 36 months.
A base of 20% of reserve wines, white and red, give this rosé blend a subtle, yet complex nose
The initial fragrances from the 5-6% of elegant red wines are redolent of home-made strawberry jam mixed with the fruitiness of blood peach. A meticulous selection of crus give the Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve the rich warm notes of gingerbread and cinnamon.
The deep powerful mouth-feel, the result of ageing in thousand-year old cellars, offers a burst of strawberry, raspberry and blackberry nestled in velvety whipped cream.
APPEARANCE
A deliciously fresh wine which perfectly expresses the complexity of the Charles Heidsieck spirit. Coral-like in appearance, with subtle orange reflections reminiscent of antique roses
ON THE NOSE
Freshly picked strawberry aromas gradually become more intense, with homemade strawberry jam and blood peach alongside rich, warm notes of gingerbread and cinnamon
ON THE PALATE
A vivacious palate full of red fruit, with some generous floral notes. Following a silky-rich texture, the finish is long and balanced.
BLEND 36% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, 28% Pinot Meunier
COMPOSITION A selection of 60+ crus (less than 20 % of the champagne crus) up to 150 base wines
AGEING A slow and long maturation of 3 to 4 years
DOSAGE 11.2g/l
Bollinger PN AYC18
Bollinger PN AYC 18 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir (PN) with the majority of the grapes coming from estate owned vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, based on the superb 2018 vintage. Aÿ is one of the rare 17 villages to be classified as Grand Cru in the Champagne region. The vineyards are situated at the heart of three important areas: the Côtes des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne. 50% reserve wines, including 25% aged in magnums of 2009 Aÿ, are then added to bring a sense of aromatic harmony and further complexity to the blend
Bollinger are famed for their Pinot Noir so there is little surprise that its signature rich and open style shines through. The wonderful smoky, nutty and caramel tones imparted by Bollinger’s distinct foudre ageing (50% of the wines are fermented in oak barrels) are already present and the reserve wines add to its exceptional aromatic intensity.
APPEARANCE
The amply fruity 2018 vintage represents a half of the blend, its ripeness giving a light peachy tone already to the colour. The rest is constructed of 2017 and 2016 reserve wines and as much as 25% of 2009 vintage reserve wine magnum
ON THE NOSE
The supple nose comes with sweet vanilla tones, apple compote, orange blossom and pencil shavings
ON THE PALATE
There is an immediate charm also to the fleshy and airy yet precise palate. Towards the back palate an energising freshness emerges, adding vivacity to the creamy and textured whole.
FOOD PAIRING RECOMENDATIONS
Pan fried foie gras with caramelised apple.
VC Extra Brut Extra Old 4
Veuve Clicquot presents the fourth edition of its Extra Brut Extra Old.
Expressing the ultimate creativity of our Cellar Master, Extra Brut Extra Old is a unique collection crafted exclusively from our reserve wine collection, one of the largest recorded in Champagne.
The 4th edition of Extra Brut Extra Old is a unique blend of six of Veuve Clicquot’s most prestigious reserve wines: 1996, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Just like the creation of a perfume, the essence of such mature or, as called, “spices” reserve wines will bring concentration and depth to the blend.
The wines are aged in bottle in Maison’s crayères for a minimum of three years before disgorgement, giving it texture and aromatic complexity. This blend requires a low dosage of 3 grams of sugar per litre.
The Precision, energy and balance of Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old 4 will be best appreciated with balanced and fresh cuisine, from raw vegetables to tartares and seafood.
APPEARANCE
Light with bronze
ON THE NOSE
Tilia, honeysuckle, green tea, citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon)
ON THE PALATE
Ginger, bread dough, saline, mineral
FOOD PAIRING RECOMENDATIONS
Purity and freshness (raw vegetables, refined cuisine, tartars, ceviche)
Salinity and energy (umami, citrus peel, products from the sea)
Finesse and precision (silky texture, delicate pairings)
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