Piper Heidsieck Rare Brut Champagne Millesime 2013

A velvety softness as if brushing against a rose petal envelops the mouth. Then a delicately sensual and ripe freshness sweeps across your palate, demonstrating this champagnes liberated character. And to complete this idyllic sensation comes a saltiness accentuated by notes of peppery spices and plums.

Critical Acclaim

97 Wine Spectator

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.

96 Jeb Dunnuck

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.

93 Wine Advocate

The 2008 Brut Cuve 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.