Wine Advisor
Piper Heidsieck, Rare Rose Millesime Brut 2014
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
Tasted from magnum, disgorged in July 2023 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, the 2014 Rare Rosé Millésime displays a deeper hue than its two predecessors. Flamboyant and demonstrative, it bursts from the glass with aromas of blood orange, apricot, cherry and wild strawberry, mingling with candied pear and a touch of buttered toast. Incorporating 18% red wine from Les Riceys, it is full-bodied and muscular, with a rich and sweet core of fruit, succulent yet vibrant acidity and pillowy mousse, finishing long and perfumed with a subtle phenolic grip. While not as incisive or deep as the 2008, nor as harmonious as the 2012, this rather powerful rendition possesses the attributes to evolve nicely over time, aging on its generous structure.
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.
