Average rating 4.9/5 stars across all Google and external reviews
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Bought directly from Liberty Wines Ltd, UK agent for Rare, the bottles are stored in bond at London City Bond Eton Park, in ideal conditions at a constant 13°C. For same-day deliveries, small quantities are kept in our office cellar, where the temperature is maintained between 11–13°C. We source all our bottles directly from the Maison or their official UK office, eliminating the risk of poor storage. This is crucial, as champagne quality is highly sensitive to heat: temperatures above 18°C accelerate maturity significantly, which compromises quality.
Piper-Heidsieck's roots trace back to Florens-Louis Heidsieck, who created the original company of Heidsieck & Co. Christian Heidsieck joined the venture alongside Guillaume Piper and once Florens-Louis died in 1828, the duo decided to continue the adventure side by side, founding Champagne Piper-Heidsieck.
In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has added significant finance into the companies allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production. The brands are now growing their sales fast after many decades of decline. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Charles Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. Their characteristics differ quite considerably, with Piper opting for a fruitier and lighter style of base wines.
Piper-Heidsieck Rare is a truly unique prestige cuvée. In the summer of 1976, an unprecedented heatwave struck France, the likes of which the Champagne region had never experienced before. Piper-Heidsieck's winemaking team began to wonder: could it be possible to create a cuvée given the remarkable conditions? Taming the natural forces was no easy task and when assemblage was complete and the final blend bottled, the team were so proud of the final product, they called it Rare. The brand started as Piper-Heidsieck Rare and in 2019 this became simply Rare. These cuvées are only produced in these exceptional years: 1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013 & 2015. In 2018 a new rose cuvee was released with 2007, now followed with 2008 and 2012.
Weather: 2008 was dominated by grey, overcast skies – an exception in a decade characterized by bold, generous sunshine. Spring and summer rought the same lack of sunlight and absence of high temperatures. It was September that saved the vintage, belatedly and miraculously. Just when the harvest was getting underway, the weather conditions were finally perfect: blue skies and prolonged north-northeasterly winds. Picking was spread out over a long period in order to benefit from this positive turn of events. The grapes were riper than anyone dared hope, and had truly outstanding balance. The vines were in perfect health.
Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Chardonnay: Avize, Oger, Villers-Marmery | Pinot Noir: Verzy
Grape Varieties: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir
Lees Ageing: 14.5 years
Dosage: 8 g/l
Disgorged: March 2023
Drink: Now to 2035+
Tasting Note: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. Tasting note from Essi Avellan MW
Watch Essi Avellan MW & Nick's video tasting review of this champagne here.
Piper-Heidsieck's roots trace back to Florens-Louis Heidsieck, who created the original company of Heidsieck & Co to pursue his ambition of “creating a cuvée worthy of a queen”. He fulfilled his dream perhaps earlier than anyone could have expected: once Marie Antoinette had tasted his creation, she became the first Heidsieck & Co ambassador. Florens-Louis’ nephew, Christian Heidsieck joined the venture alongside Guillaume Piper and once Florens-Louis died in 1828, the duo decided to continue the adventure side by side, founding Champagne Piper-Heidsieck.
In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Chritopher Descours, he has pumped significant finance into the companies allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production. The brands are now growing their sales fast after many decades of decline. Today, production occurs alongside sister company Charles Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims.
Their characteristics differ quite considerably, with Piper opting for a fruitier and lighter style of base wines. In recent times, the House has shifted from royal accolades to becoming a favourite amongst celebrity stars. Indeed, the legendary Marilyn Monroe famously declared in 1953: “I go to bed with a few drops of Chanel No. 5 and I wake up each morning to a glass of Piper-Heidsieck; it warms me up.”
The prestige cuvée Rare Champagne became its own brand in September 2018. Previously labelled, marketed and sold under the Piper-Heidsieck name, Rare Champagne is now managed and labelled independently. Previous Piper-Heidsieck Cellar Master Régis Camus has subsequently assumed the new role of Cellar Master for Rare Champagne.
Cellar Master: Émilien Boutillat
Winery Location: Reims | Champagne, France
Champagne Region: Montagne de Reims
Annual Production (bottles): 8,000,000
Chef de Cave History at Champagne Rare:
Émilien Boutillat - October 2018 - Current
Emilien studied at the School of Agronomy in Montpellier, focusing on both viticulture and enology. Early in his career he worked in quite a variety of winegrowing regions beyond Champagne: for example in the Rhône, Bordeaux and abroad in New Zealand, California, Chile, South Africa. He first worked for several harvests at houses like Cattier and Armand de Brignac before joining Piper‑Heidsieck in October 2018 as the chef de cave for the House. At the time of his appointment with Piper-Heidsieck in 2018 he was “the youngest chef de caves” at a large Maison in Champagne.
Regis Camus - 2002 to 2022
Regis studied in 1974 and 1975 at the Faculté d’Oenologie in Reims. After obtaining his Oenological Diploma - his first winemaking experience was in 1976 as an intern under Tutor Jacques Peters, who also helped Regis find his first job in champagne. Camus joined Piper-Heidsieck in the 1990s as assistant to Daniel Thibault, after Daniel died in 2002 Regis was promoted to manage all the winemaking team for all three brands; Piper, Rare and Charles. From 2013 Regis focussed his time on Champagne Piper-Heidsieck and Rare and since 2018 has been solely responsible for the prestige cuvée Rare and handing over to his sucessor Emilien. His meticulous winemaking has made him Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the IWC eight times and in 2019 the CSWWC rewarded him of a Life Achievement award. Regis retired in March 2022.
Daniel Thibault - 1990-2002
Daniel came to Charles Heidseick when Joseph Henriot of Champagne Henriot purchased it in 1976. He was chef de cave at Henriot until Joseph brought him across to Charles Heidsieck shortly after buying the Maison. In 1985 Charles-Heidsieck was acquired by Rémy Cointreau from Joseph Henriot and in 1988 Rémy Cointreau also acquired Piper-Heidsieck. When Claude Demiere retired as cellar master of Piper-Heidsieck in 1990 Daniel Thibault took over managing winemaking at both Charles & Piper and at this time he hired Regis Camus as his assistant. Daniel passed away from cancer in 2002.
Claude Demiere - 1970-1990
He spent most of his career in the Piper-Heidsieck cellars, first as a worker in the 1960’s progressing through foreman and appointed chef de cave in 1970 continuing until his retirement in 1990. During his time Claude saw ownership change to Rémy Cointreau in 1985 and during the last five years of his time as cellar master he was required not to make many vintages of Champagne Rare as during this time the parent company also owned Champagne Krug. In 1990 Claude made this year and then no Rare was made until a small amount of 1997 was made, but not declared and it wasn't until 1998 that a full vintage was again made.
Expert Reviews
98 → 100/100
Essi Avellan MW
“Bottle | 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. ”
98/100
Essi Avellan MW
“Bottle | With over two thirds of Chardonnay from Avize and Oger in the Côte des Blancs and Villers-Marmery on the Montagne de Reims, this always comes with freshness, elegance and sweet, exuberant toasty notes. In the cool 2008 vintage, Verzy Pinot Noir further amplifies the notions of linearity and tension, making this a hugely slowly ageing Rare. Shiny lemon colour. The nose is instantly impressive: deliciously toasty, with ginger and coffee playing with pineapple, blood orange and yellow peach. With time in glass, it opens up gloriously. It is still holding back a lot on the nose, but it appears utterly sophisticated already. There is such silkiness to the linear, driven, super-saline palate. Really youthful still, this is a magnificent Rare. Dosage 10g/l”
97/100
Tom Hewson
“Bottle | 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 finely tuned, immaculately-built time machine which shows all the signs of remaining beautifully integrated over the long term.”
17.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW
“Bottle | 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from 11 crus (including Villers-Marmery, Vertus, Montgueux for Chardonnay and Aÿ, Verzy and Ambonnay for Pinot Noir). No oak. Full malo. Régis Camus left this blend on lees for 10 years and then aged it for a year after disgorgement in November 2019 with a dosage of 10 g/l. Interesting how difficult it is for this wine to shed its relationship with Piper-Heidsieck on search engines. Brilliant pale coppery colour. Mmmm! So concentrated and heady with a huge array of aromas including, amazingly, coconut – but not in a tarty way. Masses of tense lime fruit aromas. Very dense nose. Lifted and refreshing and this seems much more youthful than12 years old. It does rather remind me of Dom Pérignon with its concentration and density but I don't suppose that comment will necessarily be welcome with the winemaker. It's just so electric in texture. Truly an exciting, luxurious champagne.”
93+/100
William Kelley
“Bottle | 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.”
96 → 99/100
Essi Avellan MW
“Bottle | “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.””
96/100
Anne Krebiehl MW
“Bottle | 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.”
97/100
Alison Napjus
“Bottle | Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavours and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavours 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.”
96/100
Roger Voss
“Bottle | 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 flavours are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further.”
98/100
Essi Avellan MW
“With over two thirds of Chardonnay from Avize and Oger in the Côte des Blancs and Villers-Marmery on the Montagne de Reims, this always comes with freshness, elegance and sweet, exuberant toasty notes. In the cool 2008 vintage, Verzy Pinot Noir further amplifies the notions of linearity and tension, making this a hugely slowly ageing Rare. Shiny lemon colour. The nose is instantly impressive: deliciously toasty, with ginger and coffee playing with pineapple, blood orange and yellow peach. With time in glass, it opens up gloriously. It is still holding back a lot on the nose, but it appears utterly sophisticated already. There is such silkiness to the linear, driven, super-saline palate. Really youthful still, this is a magnificent Rare. Dosage 10g/l”
97/100
Tom Hewson
“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 finely tuned, immaculately-built time machine which shows all the signs of remaining beautifully integrated over the long term.”
17.5/20
Jancis Robinson MW
“70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from 11 crus (including Villers-Marmery, Vertus, Montgueux for Chardonnay and Aÿ, Verzy and Ambonnay for Pinot Noir). No oak. Full malo. Régis Camus left this blend on lees for 10 years and then aged it for a year after disgorgement in November 2019 with a dosage of 10 g/l. Interesting how difficult it is for this wine to shed its relationship with Piper-Heidsieck on search engines. Brilliant pale coppery colour. Mmmm! So concentrated and heady with a huge array of aromas including, amazingly, coconut – but not in a tarty way. Masses of tense lime fruit aromas. Very dense nose. Lifted and refreshing and this seems much more youthful than12 years old. It does rather remind me of Dom Pérignon with its concentration and density but I don't suppose that comment will necessarily be welcome with the winemaker. It's just so electric in texture. Truly an exciting, luxurious champagne.”
97/100
Alison Napjus
“Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavours and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavours 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.”
96/100
Roger Voss
“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 flavours are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further.”
96/100
Anne Krebiehl MW
“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.”
93+/100
William Kelley
“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.”
