WOW!

After having the terrific 1996 Perrier-Joet Fleur du Champagne a few nights ago, I was on a Champagne high. We had this already in our fridge and decided to drink it while pulling an all-nighter cleaning our apartment and readying ourselves for our cross-country move today.

Nose of hazelnut and butterscotch. Palate of rose petals, candied currants and blueberries, yet not reminiscent of a red wine. Many fine bubbles. Impossibly long finish (1 minute+). My only complaint is that the bubbles dissipate too quickly.

Tanzer gave this 94, WS 97.

Perhaps, they are high, but this is a sollid 93 in my book, if not just a bit higher.

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I opened our last bottle of this in April. Agree that the pro ratings are too high but it rated a 93 from me as well. It is an example of a champagne that aged very well as it was austere and not exactly wonderful in its youth.

It's a deal now for about $75 if you like good vintage champagne. It was superb with sushi.

I agree also. I had this a couple months ago and gave it the same score as well.

I had this over the weekend, and thought it was a low 90s wine. We had it alongside a 1990 Krug Brut and it paled in comparison.

Duke - that was was an unfair comparison. The Krug is in the "awesome" category.

I know. We ended up having a third of the bottle left (we were focused on the Krug) so I corked it and tried the next evening. It was terrific, just not a fair comparison to the Krug.

1990 Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires.

A rich nose of beautiful Chardonnay fruit greets you; poached apples, citrus and pears along with a nicely rounded buttery yeastiness that comes from Champagnes aged long on the cork. It is just starting to show some maturity in the form of nuttiness and vanilla as it warms up in the glass. On the palate it is full-ish in body just brimming with ripe fruits, a very nice minerality, hints of bitter candied peel and butterscotch luxuriate on the finish. This is excellent Champagne that will reward those who can keep their hands off it for 5-10 more years.-rv

1990 Charles Heidsieck Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Blanc des Millénaires (WIML93,NOWA,WS97)

Tasted March 24, 2005 at an offline so brief comments only. Opened and served immediately in Spiegelau Authentis Magnum glasses. Yellow color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of Brioche, almond paste and citrus. Flavors of toast, vanilla, crème and citrus. Very nice mouthfeel. A pleasure to drink. Can be drank now or held for at least five more years. Excellent value and recommended.