Charles Heidsieck 1981 la Collection Crayeres Magnum

For the 5th Collection Crayeres, Charles Heidsieck chooses a very special wine that was already disgorged in 1987 but has always been stored in the deep chalk cellar of the house and shows an amazing freshness. Aromas of toast and coffee, tangerine zest and truffle permeate the silky palate. The contrast between creamy richness and invigorating freshness is so exciting that it is impossible to drink your fill. Richard Juhllin writes that it is getting better and better and rates it with 95 points. It consists of 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Chardonnay. A small harvest at the end of September produces champagnes that combine power with elegance and perfect acidity. 1981 has turned out to be a great vintage. It has developped very slowly. Today 1981s are so rare that we tend to overlook them. But this wine proves that they are right up with the best from the 1980s. As a magnum it is even better.