2018 Piper Heidsieck Brut Millesime

2018 is shaping up to be one of the greatest Champagne vintages of the modern era—period. The critics aren’t even done writing their love letters yet, but the signs are already clear: purity, power, and precision from top to bottom.

And while I usually steer you toward the mavericks—the small Grower-Producers pushing boundaries—sometimes the big houses just nail it. Which is exactly why I’m offering the latest release from one of Champagne’s most storied maisons: Piper-Heidsieck’s 2018 Brut Millésimé. Founded in 1785, with a client list that once included Marie Antoinette, they’ve been turning out polished, consistent Champagnes for centuries. Under chef de cave Émilien Boutillat, they’ve married tradition with modern precision, sustainability, and a sharper focus on terroir than ever before.

I'm pleased to offer today the latest release from Piper-Heidsieck: the 2018 Brut Millésimé. I’ve been telling you for several months now about the exceptional quality of the 2018 vintage but the hype hasn’t quite caught up to the wines yet—many of the marquee names haven’t been released or even reviewed. You’re going to have to trust me… get out in front of what is shaping up to be one of the great vintages of the modern era.

The 2018 Brut Millésimé is a blend of 47% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay, and 3% Meunier, sourced entirely from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. As with all the grandes marques, they have an exceptional palette of vineyards to draw from. The result here is a wine with beautiful tension and complexity—vibrant white peach, citrus zest, toasted almond, and subtle spice, wrapped in a refined mousse with a chalky, saline finish. It’s a wine with impressive aging potential, but one that drinks beautifully now for those who know what they’re looking for.