Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne Cuvée Rare 2008

98-100 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir). Tasting Rare 2008 upon launch, it is exquisitely elegant, radiantly fruity and mineral, but still holding back plenty. It is almost like a time bomb having so much fruit and vitality to it that it feels near immortal. Beautifully detailed nose with fresh fruity profile with pineapple, lemon, sweet vanilla and roasted coffee beans meeting liquorice and smoky almonds. The fruitiness is pure, ripe yet crunchy. On the palate it is tightly knit and driven with its crisp acidity perfectly bound to the radiant fruitiness. Lacey texture with shows tension, the wine finishes to a palate-cleansingly fresh salty tang. Really refined vintage of Rare with majestic longevity ahead. (Jun 2023)"

99 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2022).

98 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2023 in France; as always, 70% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir; 11 crus: Avize, Cuis, Villers-Marmery, Montgenost, Vertus, Montgueux, Oger in Chardonnay, Ambonnay, Verzy, Bouzy, Ay, Verzenay in Pinot Noir; disgorged February 2020 with 8g/L dosage; cork). The tension, poise and mineral brilliance of 2008 are of grand proportions here, evolving at 15 years of age with growing nuances of brioche, crème brûlée and mocha, while upholding a wonderfully tense core of lemon and grapefruit, with the tang of morello cherries. (Edition VII; 2024)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "[$215 list] 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. Drink now through 2035 (12/15/20)"

97 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "70% Chardonnay from Avize, Oger and Villers-Marmery, 30% Pinot Noir from Verzy. There is not even a hint of a crack in the armour of Rare 2008 yet; it manages to hold the imperious structure of the year without seeming 'difficult', as some 2008s do at the moment. The signatures of mango cream and exotic notes melt into nougat and fresh ground nut, sparks of gunpower and succulent citrus confit. Some coffee richness is coming too. The 08 acidity feels like a bit of a kicker, but it is never out on a limb or threatening austerity. A finelytuned, mmaculately-built time machine which shows all the signs of remaining beautifully integrated over the long term. (Dec 2022)"

96 points Simon Field, MW (The World of Fine Wine): "(Dosage 8g/l; disgorged spring 2020). Pale gold, with green tints courtesy of the Chardonnay; an infinity pool of sparkling potential. A beguiling nose of clementine, soft spice, vanilla pod, and then, yes, licorice and iodine. The palate already harmonizes the best of all possible worlds; floral, saline, generous, and tight, without the flinty reductive veneer that sometimes masks fruit character; then the golden weave leads to the inner sanctum. Youthful, self-assured, precise, and quietly authoritative. (Issue 72; 2021)"

96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2008 Champagne Rare is luxurious with aromas of graham cracker, honeysuckle, quince, and orange zest. It is round and opulent, with a fine and pillowy mousse, and retains freshness throughout, with apricot and yellow flowers. It is impressive and long, and fully luxurious. Drinking well now, it is sure to hold its own for years to come. Drink 2022-2044. Drink: 2022-2044. (11/7/22)"

96 points Decanter: "Rare Champagne boasts an illustrious past, with its first vintage having been presented to Marie Antoinette in 1785. The wine is produced in very limited quantities and is restricted to exceptional years, with only 11 vintages being declared over the past four decades of production. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from selected grand cru vineyards. Simon Field MW: Gentle bead, lovely evolved notes of hazelnut, even a hint of praline, enrobed and ennobled by firm acidity and a persuasive finish. Alan Bednarski: Great, pure wine with still-fresh zesty flavours, delicate palate and sweet yeast notes, with a long flavourful finish of ripe melon. Tim Hall: A challenging, pressing start, wanting to overwhelm with shimmering and sharp attack, but shows intensity on the palate to match. Lovely lemon-apple notes and tempered texture. Drinking Window: 2021-2028. (Sep 2021)"

96 points Anne Krebiehl, MW (Falstaff): "Lemon zest frames the creamy richness on the nose that has hints of chalk and coconut macaroon but also reveals a beautiful depth that evokes summer rain on limestone soils. The palate comes with all the precision and exquisite freshness of 2008 but encapsulates a truffle- like complexity at its concentrated core: there is a floral hit of peony, something rich reminiscent of milk chocolate ganache and more of that virile and pervasive lemon freshness. This is glorious and somehow manages to convey great richness within that elegant and characteristic framework set by the amazing 2008 vintage. Alcohol 12%. (8/8/21)"

96 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "The new release of this producer's prestige cuvée comes in its usual beautifully sculpted bottle. The Champagne, from a great vintage in the region, is just approaching maturity still showing minerality from the high amount of Chardonnay in the blend. Nutty flavors are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further. (Dec 2020)"