Charles Heidsieck’s acclaimed Blanc des Millénaires has earned cult status amongst those lucky enough to have tried it.

It’s mineral and pure, playing more to the soil than sunshine, but finding its balance here too. Only chardonnay taken from five grand crus in the Côte des Blancs is used in this effortlessly delicious and smoothly textured champagne of euphoric wonder.

Long lees ageing in Charles’ heritage listed crayères produces these champagnes with a velvety texture and creamy richness – without being yeasty – aromatically reminiscent of its chalky origins and astonishingly fresh.

Today I have the privilege of speaking with Charles’ Executive Director, Stephen Leroux, as part of a world first taste of the surprising release of Blanc des Millénaires 1996 and the lastest release from Blanc des Millénaires 2014.