Wine Advisor
Piper Heidsieck, Rare Rose Millesime Brut 2008
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
Incorporating 13% red wine from Bouzy, the 2008 Rare Rosé Millésime—disgorged in July 2018 with a dosage of eight grams per liter—has evolved superbly. It opens with a deep bouquet of red cherry, cranberry and passion fruit, mingling with buttered toast and a hint of rosemary, framed by a deft touch of smoky reduction. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied and elegantly muscular, with excellent concentration underpinned by bright acidity, concluding with a long, toasty finish. Already compelling upon release, it has since gained in depth, standing alongside the 2012 as one of the two most complete and harmonious expressions of Rare Rosé to date.
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.
