Charles Heidsieck Brut Rose 2008

With the Rose 2008, Charles Heidsieck takes a step forward in price and quality. For the first time, the Rose is equal or even superior to the white Vintage. Instead of being characterised by red fruit aromas and a silky palate, the 2008 shows a racy acidity and firm mineral structure. Thus, Charles Heidsieck says that it should be left for 10 years and that it reaches its peak in the second half of the century. 

This Rose is an assemblage of 63% Pinto Noir, of which 9% is red still wine, and 37% Chardonnay. Ay, Ludes, Ambonnay, Tauxières, Avenay, Bouzy, Verzy and Les Riceys provide the Pinot Noir. Oger, Vertus, Chouilly and Cuis the Chardonnay. It was disgorged in April 2021 after almost 12 years of yeast ageing.

Freshly opened, it is characterised by pink grapefruit, blood apple, red currant and a striking acidity and structure. It is then rather long and fine than full. A few hours later, it becomes rounder, the body becomes fuller, strawberries, raspberries and smoky notes come in. At the beginning of the palate, these red-fruity aromas emerge, then in the second half of the palate, the citrus notes are more present again. The palate becomes silky on the surface, but there is a mineral tingle at the core that makes it lively, intense and fine. The acidity is incisive but harmoniously integrated, and even in the endlessly long finish it never comes out sharp. It has great aromatic concentration and density, certainly also body, but is so fixed on its core and so fresh that the impression of fineness prevails. It will certainly improve for a long time.