Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne Cuvee Rare 2013 750ml

“A bright yellow hue, its aromatics are exquisite and well-balanced, with notes of key lime, candied apple, croissant dough, pineapple, and honeysuckle. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with a rounded and supple texture and a pillowy mousse. It’s long on the palate and has a silky personality as well as a long, pristine finish. It has a fantastic balance of decadence and eshness, and I could drink this all day. It’s going to have a long drinking window.

"White pepper, yellow apple, pineapple and linden blossom are joined by coconut, toast, roasted nuts and a touch of honey. Pinpoint bubbles and crisp acidity give the medium-bodied Champagne excellent integration and drive. Lemon flavors carry into a long, chalky and mineral finish with an appealingly austere edge."

"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."

"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."