Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 2014 Brut (75cl, 12%)

Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 2014 Brut is a vintage Champagne blending Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, produced by Piper-Heidsieck in Reims. Founded in 1785, the house is one of Champagne's historic grandes marques. The wine is made by the traditional method from fruit drawn from 19 crus, of which 87% are classified Grand Cru and Premier Cru. Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims gives structure, while Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims adds precision and mineral drive. It spent at least five years ageing on its lees before disgorgement. On the nose there are orange blossom, apricot, brioche, toasted almond and beeswax, with oatmeal, quince and lanolin. The palate brings tangerine and lime zest, then red apple, golden pear, fig, walnut, lemon conserve and liquorice. The finish is long and layered, with citrus persistence, toasty autolytic character, chalky minerality, dried fruit and a saline edge.