Piper-Heidsieck - Rare Champagne Brut 2008 (750ml)
Price: $219.99
| Producer | Piper-Heidsieck |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Varietal | Champagne |
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Sku | 4509 |
 |
Piper-Heidsieck Description
In a subtle, joyful effervescence, the intense crystalline golden robe evokes yellow diamonds. The initial nose shines by the pure vivacity of this vintage. As Rare Millésime 2008 gradually warms in the glass, a vast range of orange blossom, hyacinth and white flowers is released. This leads to the delicacy of vanilla blossoms, a touch of fresh coconut, aromas of just ripe Williams pear and fresh almond, enhanced by notes of tangerine and blackcurrant buds. The second nose reveals the saline minerality, abundant and refined, an iodine-smoky harmony and a touch of licorice. On the palate the crispy, precise attack is followed by exuberant aromas of fresh pineapple, freshly cut and crisp, passion fruit, kiwi and coconut, nuanced with tangy citrus notes. These combine with plush springlike flavours with unparalleled length. The finish, with remarkable saline and iodine notes, perpetuates the journey into an endless spring.
Wine Spectator: 97 Points
Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish.
Burghound: 96 Points
As if any more confirmation was needed, this is yet another example confirming why 2008 is one of the great vintages for Champagne, indeed to my mind it remains the reference standard for the 21st C. A maturing and strikingly layered nose freely reveals ample yeast and baked bread nuances on the toasty nose of poached pear, apple, floral, citrus confit and a lovely array of spice nuances - the nose really is spectacular. There is fine richness, volume and density to the relatively powerful medium weight flavors that possess the same excellent depth as the nose before culminating in a clean, dry and impressively long finale that is supported by a generous mousse. If one wanted to be extremely picky, about the only aspect one might criticize is that the mousse is not especially fine, though I don't mean to imply that it's coarse because it's not. Either way, for my taste this has just arrived on the front end of its peak drinkability and should hold here for at another decade.
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
The 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare, now re-baptized as "Rare Champagne," continues to evolve at a glacial pace. Offering up aromas of citrus oil, freshly baked bread and wet stones, it's medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with a tangy spine of acidity and a pretty pinpoint mousse, but much in the way of texture or amplitude has yet to emerge. While I continue to think that this has the makings of a very attractive bottling, continued patience is advised.
