Henriot Unveils Collection Of Rare Vintage Champagne

Champagne Henriot has named the release Les Mémoires, which comprises three bottlings dating as far back as the 1950s. The Champagnes hail from vintages 1959, 1971, and 1981 and have been meticulously aged in Henriot’s cool cellars in Reims, northeastern France.

In the spring of this year, the rare bottlings were disgorged by hand, then tasted and individually numbered by Henriot’s vineyard director Alice Tétienne. The house says each Champagne has a “fresh, lively, and vibrant” taste despite its age. 

Priced at $1,000, Cuvée des Enchanteleurs 1981 was aged for four decades on lees and involves iodine notes, with a palate that is lively while still retaining its elegance. 

A mix of grand premier Crus aged for half a century on lees, the Millésimé 1971 involves aromas such as pine, thyme, and stone fruit, retailing at $800. 

Finally, the Cuvée Des Enchanteleurs 1959 is an equal part blend of Henriot’s six historical crus that were on the lees for over 60 years. This particular wine offers fresh citrus on the nose while the palate involves a rich and complex structure and a sharp freshness. The long finish promises notes of fig, honey, and brioche.  The Cuvée Des Enchanteleurs is priced at $6,000 per magnum. 

Champagne Henriot was established in 1808 by Apolline Henriot. It is one of the rare Champagne houses that remains completely independent and has stayed in the hands of the same family throughout its rich 200 year-plus history.