1985 Charles Heidsieck 'Champagne Charlie' Brut Millesime Champagne, France
$699.99 USD $1,200.00 USD
Press
Rated 97 points Decanter
Devastating spring frosts made for a very small harvest in 1985, producing a wine of power and richness with great vinosity. This is a brilliant daffodil gold colour, with aromas of apple blossom, peach and a swirl of smoke. Exotic flavours of guava and mango are accompanied by a honeyed texture and a gentle, filigreed mousse. Admirably fresher than some four-square 85s, thanks to the fine, athletic Chardonnay and a soupcon of reserve wine. Exceptional. Disgorged in 1993. (ME) (8/2017)
Rated 97 points Wine Spectator
Sublime. Like relaxing into a favorite chair, this is both familiar and comfortable in its mellow profile and sumptuous texture. Flavors of coffee, grilled hazelnut, citrus and brioche wrap around the palate, retaining focus thanks to the firm structure. Lovely finish. Close to its peak and should hold there for several years. (BS) (11/2002)
Rated 95 points John Gilman
This was the old Tête de Cuvée at Charles Heidsieck and the 1985 is now at its absolute apogee and offers up a superb, mature aromatic constellation of apple, honeyed almonds, brioche, a beautifully complex base of soil, vanilla, orange peel and a touch of new leather. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and tertiary in its layers of complexity, with a fine core, very refined mousse and great length and grip on the complex and very pure finish. I love mature Champagne and the 1985 Champagne Charlie is at its zenith today, though still with plenty of life ahead of it. (Drink between 2014-2030) (5/2014)
Rated 93 points Wine & Spirits
The scent of freshly turned chalk soil forms the core of this wine, as if smelling fossils of oyster shells. It feels powerful and dynamic, fully mature but still holding a lively edge of youth that makes the superrich flavors a little wild. A satisfying older Champagne to enjoy with plump, wood-roasted oysters or braised veal. (12/2006)
Rated 91 points Wine Enthusiast
One of the most famous brand names in Champagne gets its name from an exceptional salesman in the 19th century who had a music hall song written in his honor. He would have been proud to have sold this wine which, despite its age, is still impressively fresh and fruity. Flavors of almonds and toast blend well with green fruits, well proportioned to go with food rather than as an apéritif. (12/2004)
Rated 97 points Decanter
Devastating spring frosts made for a very small harvest in 1985, producing a wine of power and richness with great vinosity. This is a brilliant daffodil gold colour, with aromas of apple blossom, peach and a swirl of smoke. Exotic flavours of guava and mango are accompanied by a honeyed texture and a gentle, filigreed mousse. Admirably fresher than some four-square 85s, thanks to the fine, athletic Chardonnay and a soupcon of reserve wine. Exceptional. Disgorged in 1993. (ME) (8/2017)
Rated 97 points Wine Spectator
Sublime. Like relaxing into a favorite chair, this is both familiar and comfortable in its mellow profile and sumptuous texture. Flavors of coffee, grilled hazelnut, citrus and brioche wrap around the palate, retaining focus thanks to the firm structure. Lovely finish. Close to its peak and should hold there for several years. (BS) (11/2002)
Rated 95 points John Gilman
This was the old Tête de Cuvée at Charles Heidsieck and the 1985 is now at its absolute apogee and offers up a superb, mature aromatic constellation of apple, honeyed almonds, brioche, a beautifully complex base of soil, vanilla, orange peel and a touch of new leather. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and tertiary in its layers of complexity, with a fine core, very refined mousse and great length and grip on the complex and very pure finish. I love mature Champagne and the 1985 Champagne Charlie is at its zenith today, though still with plenty of life ahead of it. (Drink between 2014-2030) (5/2014)
Rated 93 points Wine & Spirits
The scent of freshly turned chalk soil forms the core of this wine, as if smelling fossils of oyster shells. It feels powerful and dynamic, fully mature but still holding a lively edge of youth that makes the superrich flavors a little wild. A satisfying older Champagne to enjoy with plump, wood-roasted oysters or braised veal. (12/2006)
Rated 91 points Wine Enthusiast
One of the most famous brand names in Champagne gets its name from an exceptional salesman in the 19th century who had a music hall song written in his honor. He would have been proud to have sold this wine which, despite its age, is still impressively fresh and fruity. Flavors of almonds and toast blend well with green fruits, well proportioned to go with food rather than as an apéritif. (12/2004)