Wine Advisor
Piper Heidsieck, Rare Millesime Brut 2008
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Description
Time offers energy and strength to Rare Millésime 1988, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006 and Rare Rosé 2007 and 2008. And will continue to do so for a long time… Their infinite minerality is the fame of Rare Champagne. Like his predecessors, Régis Camus the most awarded Cellar Master of the century*, succeeds in transforming Rare Champagne into a wine of patience with an unlimited potential for expression. Time is no longer an obstacle but a benefit which emphasizes the personality of each vintage. *Régis Camus, awarded 8 times "Champagne and Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" by the International Wine Challenge Jury since the beginning of the century.
Tasting Note: "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." (Robert Parker)
About the Producer
The oldest of the three Heidsieck champagne houses, Piper-Heidsieck was founded in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck. Ambitious to make his mark, Florens-Louis created a cuvee which he dedicated and presented in person to Queen Marie-Antoinette, a patronage that one assumes was, at a certain point, abruptly severed. Upon his death, nephew Christian Heidsieck went into partnership with Henri-Guillaume Piper, an energetic entrepreneur who did much to champion champagne throughout the world. Christian died suddenly, his widow married Henri-Guillaume and the company became known as Piper-Heidsieck. Today, Piper-Heidsieck has established itself as one of champagnes most consistent and reliable expressions. In 2011, the prestigious FINE Champagne magazine awarded the Piper-Heidsieck Rare first place in its Best 100 Champagnes list.
