Piper Heidsieck Hors Serie 1971

Disgorged in spring 2021 with 10 grams per liter dosage, the 1971 Brut Millésimé Hors-Série is showing well, offering up a rich bouquet of praline, mocha, buttery pastry, dried fruits and honeycomb, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy palate with lively acids and a delicate pinpoint mousse. Concluding with a sapid, even savory finish, it represents a fine effort in a good-but-not-great Champagne vintage. At this age, of course, some bottle variation is to be expected.

The bouquet is surprisingly fresh, with notes of quince, undergrowth, mushrooms, fruit paste, apple and spices. With aeration, elegant notes come to the fore, with aromas of white fruit and spices. The palate is beautifully balanced and tension-filled; this is a bright and energetic Champagne. The dosage is not felt at all and the finish is persistent, long and airy, indicating a historical yet very impressive cool vintage. Dosage: 10g/L. Disgorged: February 2021.