During the course of this year, I predict only a handful Champagne releases will be genuinely eye-catching – those that are of sufficient ‘must-buy status’ to make it into my Finest Fifty round-up at Christmas. These are two of them! There is no doubt that these two 2018s are spectacular. The white wine is truly sensational, and you can open it now without worrying about a knock on the door from the wine police. That said, it will age for a decade with ease, too. The elegance and magnetism of white flowers and delicate orchard fruit on the nose and palate are magnificent. There is infinite detail here, and gentle, almost electrical pulses of teasing acidity maintain a heightened level of drama throughout. This is a thrillingly beautiful wine. The yin and yang of the 2018 Charles Heidsieck is fascinating, and you need both in your collection to find completeness.” Matthew Jukes
