Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne 2008

97 points/Platinum Award, Decanter: "52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir. The nose is serious and expresses some earthy tones along with toasted bread and acacia. Pink grapefruit profile on the refreshing acidity, the palate exhibits a gripping, savoury sapidity. Finish is long and tense. Alcohol 12.0%. (DWWA 2018)"

94 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Vintage Brut offers a clear and toasty aroma on the nose. Pure, fresh, lean and delicate but complex and mineral on the palate, this is a lithe and elegant, very finessed and persistent 2008 with grip and expression. This is a complex, intense yet light and very elegant Champagne with a pure, mineral-structured and persistent finish. Drink: 2018-2030. (Nov 2017)"

94 points Jasper Morris, MW: "Massive improvement in quality across the entire range at this marque. A mature 2008, with toasty-walnut aromas and rich succulent fruit. Elegant, aristocratic style with engaging depth and complexity. (4/16/2020)"

93 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(52% chardonnay, 48% pinot noir, from 20 villages, mostly grand and premier crus; 9g/L dosage). Piper Heidsieck’s vintage philosophy is always an almost equal blend of chardonnay and pinot, to ‘reflect the truth of the vintage and of Champagne’ by sourcing from everywhere. The backward, primary fruit focus, bright acid line and salty chalk mineral prominence of 2008 frame a delightful contrast to the toasty, spicy, vanilla-accented bottle age of the Piper-Heidsieck style. Now at the end of its release cycle, subtle tertiary notes of flint and pipe smoke have begun to appear. It’s poised to drink right away, at the perfect juncture between the vector of primary, crunchy almost-ripe red apples and lemons, and the arc of mature development, yet with the acid spine to hold its own for some years yet. It has built wonderful layers of secondary complexity while upholding endurance, persistence, poise and fine chalk mineral expression true to this stunning vintage. (2020-2021)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$80 list] An elegant, toasty version, featuring firm, focusing acidity layered with rich hints of canelé, dried apricot, coffee liqueur and star anise. Bright and citrusy, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2027. 125 cases imported. (4/30/17)"