Named in honour of the house founder, Charles-Camille Heidsieck, Champagne Charlie represents the pinnacle of blending expertise at Charles Heidsieck. Rather than relying on a single harvest, the cellarmaster constructs this prestige cuvée around a remarkably high proportion of aged reserve wines drawn from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. The winemaking strategy rests on patience and depth. Incorporating up to eighty per cent reserve wines, including components aged over two decades, the house creates an extraordinarily layered champagne. Prolonged maturation within Reims chalk cellars grants the wine its signature weight and creamy texture while maintaining bright acidity. The nose reveals toasted brioche, roasted nuts, dried citrus peel, and stone fruit. On the palate, expect a rich yet precise balance of orchard fruit, subtle pastry notes, and a fine, chalk-mineral finish that lingers well beyond the glass.

Lifted ripe nashi pears, lemon, quince, and melon, lying beneath are notes of freshly grown lavender blossom with hints of sweet baked apple pie crust and cassia bark from the wines time on yeast lees in bottle. A lovely textural palate is evident immediately, showing quince, subtle lime and just caramelized nougat. This Leeuwin Estate Brut Pinot Noir Chardonnay displays a fine bead that threads the acid line into a seductive mouth filling and long palate.

The Vazart-Coquart family has been involved in the wine business for centuries. In 1953, Louis Vazart and his son Jacques launched the family Champagne brand. Jean-Pierre Vazart, Jacques son, is now in charge of the estate. The Vazarts grow 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir on their 26.4 acres (10.7ha) in Chouilly. Average vine age is 30 years. They produce what is considered to be one of the best Blanc de Blancs in Champagne.