Piper Heidsieck Rare Millesime Champagne 2008 (3x75cl OCC)

Description

By Wine Spectator in 2020 (WS97)
Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavours and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavours of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish. Drink now through 2035.

By Wine Enthusiast in 2020 (WE96)
The new release of this producer`s prestige cuvée comes in its usual beautifully sculpted bottle. The Champagne, from a great vintage in the region, is just approaching maturity still showing minerality from the high amount of Chardonnay in the blend. Nutty flavours are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further.

By Jeb Dunnuck in 2021 (JD95+)
A gorgeous, yet tight, backward vintage for this cuvée, the 2008 Champagne Rare is based on 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir with around 10 grams of dosage. Beautiful crisp citrus and stone fruits as well as flinty minerality and just hint of brioche emerge from the glass, and it takes hours for this to really unwind and show its potential. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has bright acidity, terrific concentration, and a great finish. I wouldn’t think about opening another bottle for a solid 5-7 years, but it should have 30 years or more of ultimate longevity.

By Farr Vintners in 2021 (FV95)
Pale straw colour. Jumping from the glass with a full array of white stone fruit and tighter citrus, there are layers of buttered toast and sweeter pastries too. The palate is broad and powerful, a creamy and mouthfilling mousse bringing a luxuriant quality to the ripe stone fruit at the core. Full of leesy, savoury depth, this is long and juicy but moreish and bready in equal measure. An excellent Rare that finishes with a bright and zesty acidity.

By Wine Advocate in 2020 (WA93)
The newly released 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare is very promising, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved nose of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, iodine and oyster shell, as well as some rather herbaceous characteristics that depress my score a little, even if I suspect that they will resolve with a bit more bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and tightly wound, if the 2006 vintage was gourmand and demonstrative, the 2008 is slower to show all its cards. Built around racy acids and complemented by a pillowy mousse, this rendition of Cuvée Rare will reward a few years more on cork.