#.2 Exceptional Vintage Champagne - In Context
Unveiling the Pinnacle of Champagnes: A Journey Through the World’s Finest Bubbles
Lamont’s Cottesloe recently held the Champagne Weekend Extravaganza hosted by Tyson Stelzer with the launch of his new Champagne Guide, what be came evident while trying so many Champagnes side by side is that context is king.
With so many Champagnes to choose from, and all being fantastic in their own right, creates a problem for the customer…
How does someone know which Champagne is for them?
We’ve split the Champagnes of the weekend onto two pages
The NV Cuvee Champagnes / Exceptional Vintage & Signature Rosé Champagnes
On the page below are the Exceptional Vintage & Signature Rosé Champagnes tasted over the different events of the weekend. with the prices, critic scores, points, and reviews for each Champagne.
Please use the button below to explore the other page and all the information on The NV Cuvee Champagnes!
We hope they serve as a guide for anyone looking for “their” Champagne.
Exceptional Vintage & Signature Rosé Champagnes
The Champagnes in alphabetical order…
Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elizabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2008 Magnum, Our Price $1036
/ 750ml, Our Price $425
99 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The electrifying energy of 2008 charges Elisabeth Salmon with a dynamism and an endurance like never before. To capture such precision and such concentration of epic, pure morello cherry and raspberry fruit and yet at every instant to remain steadfast to the elegance and refinement that is Billecart is the profound juxtaposition that elevates 2008 to dizzying heights."
98 Points Peter Liem, Decanter:
"A superb vintage of this renowned prestige cuvée, this is made from a base of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, to which is added 9% of red wine. Despite ageing on its lees for 10 years, it remains almost shockingly youthful, its vividly primary flavours of red cherry, strawberry and nectarine wrapped up in a taut, tense frame."
98 Points James Suckling:
"This is very vinous with aromas of iron, strawberries, old roses and geraniums. So aromatic. Full-bodied, really intense and layered with super dryness and depth. Lots of saline and spicy character at the end, such as clove and pepper, as well as hints of flowers and melted butter."
97+ Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"The 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon explodes from the glass with a mesmerizing array of aromas, flavors and textures. Blood orange, cinnamon, mint and dried flowers. The 2008 is incredibly young, but it is also incredibly tempting."
97+ Points William Kelley, The Wine Advocate:
"Disgorged with seven grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is one of the finest wines I've tasted from Billecart in recent years."
96-98 Points Essi Avellan MW, clubenologique.com:
"Still the most gorgeous feature of this cuvée is the phenomenally creamy texture. Billecart have for the first time used some oak barrels in the crafting of this cuvée (17%), which surely has aided in creating this appetising fleshiness, silkiness and caressing creaminess on the palate."
Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart 2008 Magnum, Our Price $1036
/ 750ml, Our Price $425
100 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The profound precision and intricate, molecular detail that defines Billecart is transported to a higher level of fidelity in 2008, illuminating a brilliant display of fine chalk minerality of the highest proportions."
98 Points Jeb Dunnuck:
"Exceptionally well-balanced, it comes together seamlessly on the finish. This will be a wine to enjoy over the next three decades."
97 Points Tim Hall, Decanter:
"On release this is reserved, taut and subtle, with sourdough, confit lemon and gentle blackberry Pinot fruit presented with daring dryness (just 2.9g/L residual sugar) and intensity."
97 Points James Suckling:
"Lovely precision and drive to this with aromas of lemon curd, brioche, praline, apricots, pomelos, mandarin zest and salted caramel. It’s held together by a sharp, citrusy backbone of acidity, balanced with a fine, silky mousse."
Bollinger La Grande Année 2015, Our Price $352
96 Points James Suckling:
"Enticing, fragrant aromas of toast, lemon zest and an earthy-smoky nuance lead to a palate of subtle Bosc-pear, mango, papaya, even pineapple flavours. Lifted by fresh acidity on the medium-bodied palate, the wine keeps unfolding in toasted walnuts, honey and a dash of bitter marmalade."
96 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"Bollinger's 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that it clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness."
95+ Points William Kelley, The Wine Advocate:
"The 2015 Brut La Grande Année was disgorged last year with eight grams per liter dosage. It's medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with a dense core of fruit framed by chalky structuring extract, concluding with a long, sapid finish."
94-96 Points Essi Avellan MW:
"There is impressive density on the textured palate, that finishes on a spicy note adding on to the wine’s freshness. A rare success in 2015, this is a vintage for the friends of Bollinger’s classically vinous style."
Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2015, Our Price $416
96 Points William Kelley, The Wine Advocate:
"Bollinger's 2015 Brut La Grande Année Rosé was disgorged in May last year with seven grams per litre dosage. Offering up deep aromas of orchard fruits, blood orange, mandarin rind and peach mingled with nuances of coffee, praline and fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with a broad attack that segues into a vinous palate framed by high levels of structuring dry extract that makes its presence felt on the sapid, nutty and penetrating finish."
95 Points James Suckling:
"This elegant, medium-bodied rosé includes select plots of pinot noir from the Cote Aux Enfants vineyard. It shows a medium orange-amber colour, dark cherry-skin and candied-plum aromas followed by vivid strawberry and blood-orange flavours. Marked by finesse, light but very flavourful, complex and layered."
Bollinger RD 2008, Our Price $584 (Sold Out)
99 Points James Suckling:
"Amazing aromas of sweet uncooked pie crust with almonds. Then you smell dried apples, apricots and pineapple. Grilled fruits, too. Full-bodied. So tangy and energetic with sizzling acidity and creamy tannins."
98+ Points William Kelley, The Wine Advocate:
"On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a deep core of fruit that's animated by racy acids and a refined pinpoint mousse, concluding with a bone-dry finish. Extremely harmonious and full of youthful energy, it's the finest R. D. of the decade and one that will richly reward a bit of additional age on cork."
98 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The vast panorama of complexity on wide and expansive display has ratcheted up just one more click from its riveting first appearance as La Grande Année. Meanwhile, it has shed nothing of its shuddering energy and riveting precision."
97 Points Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator:
"This focused Champagne is all about the graceful definition of power, with an up-front, austere edge to the steely acidity, which is softened by the fine, plush mousse and well-integrated with the rich profile. Toasted hazelnut, crystallized honey, peach skin and nectarine flavours expand on the palate, accented by hints of ground ginger, oyster shell and preserved lemon."
97 Points Anne Krebiehl MW, worldoffinewine.com:
"A notion of salty shortbread full of buttery richness opens the nose, followed by a citrus intensity of both lemon and fresh navel orange peel and rich hints of grilled hazelnut. More swirling brings out the telltale creaminess alongside overtones of rye bread and white pepper."
97 Points Richard Juhlin, champagneclub.com:
"The taste is vibrantly fresh while being rich and grilled nutty. Here, minerality and sea aromas such as iodine and oyster shells show up together with an apricot-like sublime fruitiness. After a fresh attack, my senses are left supremely satisfied with an exemplary long aftertaste of honey."
96-98 Points Essi Avellan MW:
"On the palate the wine is as vigorous and tight as ever, with a linear and racy body leading to a long, super saline finish."
18 Points Jancis Robinson:
"Lightly smoky nose and extremely tense with some of the mushroom notes that are so characteristic of mature Bollinger. (Though hazelnuts were chosen as the overriding character and theme of the launch dinner by chef de cave Denis Bunner.) Still extremely youthful though it did open out in the glass, auguring well for bottle development."
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires 2007, Our Price $438
97 Points Roger Voss:
"One of the great Blanc de Blancs Champagnes, this wine only hints of its age and maturity. Up front, the wine has layers of white fruits and a steely texture. It is behind those features that the brioche and almond character begins to show."
97 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The thundering generosity of Charles is rising in the 2007 as it builds under cork. Honey, butter and vanilla are rising. It holds fantastic line and length, with a core of grapefruit propagating long and focused, with beautifully integrated chalk minerality."
96 Points James Suckling:
"Intense oyster-shell and candied-lemon aromas pull you into this very elegant champagne, which is so precise on the sleek and focused palate with a finish of crystalline purity and brightness."
96 Points Panel Tasting, Decanter:
"Intense aromas of candied citrus, grapefruit juice and lemon peel. Incredibly youthful for its age, with a chalky minerality and richness on the palate. A finely built 100% Chardonnay with very discreet dosage, flinty acidity and an overall balance suggestive of a grande marque."
Dom Pérignon P2 2004, Our Price $1232
97 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"There is a lemon sherbet, popping-candy-like, mouth-energising feel to 2004, showered in lemon and lime, and accented with the Dom Pérignon hallmarks of fresh coffee bean and even a suggestion of green bean."
97 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"The 2004 Dom Pérignon P2 is precise and wonderfully refined, just like the first release. There's a hint of reduction from extended time on the cork as well as a feeling of effusiveness that is so appealing."
97 Points Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator:
"Mandarin orange, ripe cherry, raspberry and apricot fruit notes offer an exuberant burst of flavour at the entry point of this otherwise refined and subtle Champagne."
96 Points Yohan Castaing, Decanter:
"The bouquet impresses with its finesse and elegance, its delicate aromas of pastry, orchard fruit, nuts, and lemon oil, and both iodine and chalky hints with air."
96 Points James Suckling:
"A solid Champagne with sliced peaches and apples with loads of phenolics and intensity. Full and tightened down. But remains fresh and focused. Big wine."
95 Points William Kelley, The Wine Advocate:
"The 2004 Dom Pérignon P2 is drinking beautifully on release, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet orchard fruit, fresh peach, pastry cream, buttered toast and cotton candy that display a less reductive profile than the original disgorgement."
18 Points Jancis Robinson:
"Very deep straw. Lime syrup on the nose followed up with a savoury note. Then on the palate it’s very Dom P with that winning creamy lemon-sherbet character on the palate. Big and round and yet with a flirtatious kick on the end. Long with some chewiness."
Dom Pérignon Rosé 2008, Our Price $980
99 Points James Suckling:
"The 2008 may be the best rosé ever… Incredible depth of fruit. Three-dimensional element to the wine. This is so transparent and dynamic…really savoury, fresh and incredibly Pinot Noir like."
97+ Points Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate:
"The 2008 Dom Pérignon Rosé continues to drink brilliantly, exhibiting aromas of orange, red berries, pear, pastry, spices and some smoke with time in the glass. Full-bodied, charming, broad and fleshy, with pristine balance, it’s a seamless, complete and vinous Champagne of compelling purity and maturity."
97 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"A Dom Pérignon Rosé of considerable structure and scaffolding, with a rigid and taut framework of Dom Pérignon phenolics in tandem with the tannins of red wine, the minerality of lauded crus and the acidity of 2008. This is a tightly-coiled spring of potential energy that unites the charge of acidity and the robust strength of phenolic-tannin presence that will take decades to achieve its full promise."
97 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"The 2008 Dom Pérignon Rosé is magnificent. Rich and deep in the glass, the 2008 offers up an exotic mélange of aromas and flavors. Sweet red cherry, mint, orange peel and rose petal all grace this beguiling beauty."
Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2010, Our Price $637
98 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"I have always loved the 2010 for the way it straddles the worlds of Champagne and still wine. It is absolutely glorious on this night. In fact, I could have had it for the entire meal."
97 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The result is an outstanding Dom Ruinart that transcends its season. It launches with a fantastic explosion of fireworks reduction, illuminating a captivating display of energetic lemon and grapefruit, with the body and balance of white peach and suggestions of fennel."
97 Points Essi Avellan MW, clubenologique.com:
"This is the first time for Dom Ruinart in the recent era and based on the superb results, the way it will continue. It has resulted in fabulous ageing, with stunning reductive toasty layers."
95 Points Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator:
"A mineral-driven Champagne, creamy and compact, this deftly meshes a layer of smoke, chalk and saline with detailed flavours of glazed apple and apricot, roasted hazelnut and ginger-infused pastry cream carried on a raw silky mousse."
Krug Grand Cuvée 171ème NV, Our Price $442
99 Points James Suckling:
"The tightness and tension of this is impressive considering the youngest wine from this is 2015 (hot and dry year), with some wines going back to 2000. Ginger and orange zest. Some creme brulee. It's medium-bodied with apple, pie crust and floral character. It's salty and zesty yet, at the same time, complex and gorgeous."
95 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The structure and scaffolding of phenolic grip and apple skin texture that defines the warm and generous 2015 harvest have been well tensioned with the cut and drive of cool vintage reserves and malic acid drive."
18 Points Jancis Robinson:
"Very lively, crisp nose. Tense and surprisingly vibrant for such a hot growing season – positively explosive in terms of its impact on the nose and palate. Lots of acidity and impressively long. A very good Krug, Grande Cuvée."
Krug Vintage 2008, Our Price $866 (Sold Out)
100 Points James Suckling:
"Exceptional freshness with aromas of flinty white stones, flowers, almonds and lemons. There’s hazelnut and strawberry here, too. Complex. The palate has a long, powerful and smooth-honed feel with very assertive citrus flavours, driven by long acidity. A perfect 2008."
100 Points Peter Moser, Falstaff.com:
"Champagne lovers were right to be pleased. Lively, complex and precise, carried by an unbelievable lightness and drinking pleasure. Champagne could not be better."
99 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The juxtaposition of the most precise and enduring vintage in a lifetime with the universe of thundering complexity and personality that is Krug finds an all new magnitude in this wine."
99 Points Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator:
"There’s a supernova of sensation with each sip of this powerful version, starting with the vivid streak of mouthwatering acidity that drives a rich panoply of ripe black currant, mandarin orange peel and grilled nut flavours, accented by hints of candied ginger, briny oyster shell, verbena and ground cardamom."
98 Points Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff.com:
"The incredibly pristine, saline, sea breeze nose comes with a beguiling edge of bergamot. The palate displays Krug's signature savouriness with its salty depth so reminiscent of Japanese seaweed crackers and toasted sesame."
97 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"The 2008 Vintage is a nervy, electrifying Champagne, the likes of which has not emerged from Krug's cellars since the magical 1996."
97 Points Yohan Castaing, Decanter:
"What a burst of fresh fruit on the nose! The aromatic freshness is evident from the first whiff, suffused with notes of citrus fruits including grapefruit, menthol, and a hint of liquorice."
Louis Roederer Cristal 2012 Magnum, Our Price $1483
98 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"The rise and rise of Cristal over recent decades has been something to behold, and the ever more fanatical approach of Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon and his team has crafted a style that articulates its terroirs and seasons with ever rising dramatic clarity."
98 Points John Gilman:
"On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and nascently complex, with a racy girdle of acidity, a rock-solid core, impeccable focus and grip, refined mousse and stunning length and grip on the poised and perfectly balanced finish."
98 Points James Suckling:
"Such attractive, fresh, floral aromas here with fine bread, hints of white almonds and a lemon edge. White cherries and strong, chalky minerals, too."
98 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"In the glass, the 2012 is radiant and luscious, yet it possesses remarkable transparency and striking aromatic depth."
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck:
"With gorgeous purity of fruit, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, flawless balance, and a terrific sense of minerality on the finish, this is a beautiful, elegant yet rich Cristal to enjoy over the coming 20 years or so."
97 Points William Kelley, The Wine Advocate:
"Aromas of clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream and dried white flowers introduce the 2012 Cristal, a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine that's built for the cellar."
97 Points Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator:
"A classic beauty, fresh-faced and focused today, but with a harmonious grace of form suggesting a long career ahead."
18 Points Jancis Robinson:
"Disgorged in 2019, dosage 7.5 g/l. 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 32% of the cuvée is fermented in oak. Nine years spent on the lees. Amazingly challenging year with all the viticultural hazards possible, but a limited yield has brought concentration. First year Cristal was all organic."
Louis Roederer Cristal 2015, Our Price $555
97 Points James Suckling:
"For the warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon, and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece."
95+ Points William Kelley, The Wine Advocate:
"If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint, and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse."
96 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous:
"Tasted at the Maison, the 2015 is rich, dense, and explosive, with tremendous textural intensity and also a good bit of energy to back it up. Citrus confit, spice, ginger, chalk, and dried flowers abound in a Champagne endowed with tremendous aromatic presence in a style that offers notable richness, but lighter than vintages such as 2012."
Piper Heidsieck ‘Rare’ 2008, Our Price $459 (Sold Out)
97 Points Tyson Stelzer, champagne.guide:
"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."
96 - 99 Points Essi Avellan MW, EssiAvellan.com:
"Exquisitely elegant…radiantly fruity and mineral, but still holding back plenty. On the palate it is tightly knit and driven with its crisp acidity perfectly bound to the radiant fruitiness. Lacey texture which shows tension, the wine finishes to a palate-cleansing fresh salty tang. Really refined vintage of Rare with majestic longevity ahead."
97 Points Alison Napjus, 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. Drink now through 2035."
96 Points Roger Voss, WineMag.com:
"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."
96 Points Anne Krebiehl MW, Falstaff.com:
"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."
96 Points Panel Chair: Martin Moran MW & Co-Chair: Tim Atkin MW:
"This wine is really refined with subtle toast and spice. Raspberries and cream fraiche and lovely, smooth, citrus fruit with green Mirrabelle plum and orchard fruit. Fine acidity ripples through the palate and the sweetness is perfectly integrated."
95+ Points Jeb Dunnuck:
"A gorgeous, yet tight, backward vintage for this cuvée, the 2008 Champagne Rare. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has bright acidity, terrific concentration, and a great finish. I wouldn't think about opening another bottle for a solid 5-7 years, but it should have 30 years or more of ultimate longevity."
Awards:
The International Wine Challenge: Champion Sparkling Wine
The world’s most respected Wine Show: 18000+ entrants and 300+ judges
IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2023 - Daniel Thibault Trophy - Rare 2008
IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2022 - Daniel Thibault Trophy - Rare 2008
IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2021 - Daniel Thibault Trophy - Rare 2008
No. 1 Ranked Champagne - The Tastingbook’s 100 Best Champagnes 2022
Vintage Classic Blend Champagne Trophy – International Wine Challenge 2020
Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge 2020
Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge 2021
Best in Class: Deluxe Champagne Vintage Brut – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2021
Gold Medal – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2021
Gold Medal – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2020
Best Champagne of the World – Best Wine of the World Competition 2021
Best Champagne of the World – Best Wine of the World Competition 2022
Gold Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
Champagne Master Medal – Drinks Business Best Champagnes of 2021
#2 of 20 – Essi Avellan MW’s Top Wines, 2008 v 2009 Prestige Cuvee Champagne, The World of Fine Wine Magazine, Issue 74
#3 of 27 – Simon Field MW’s Top Wines, 2008 v 2009 Prestige Cuvee Champagne, The World of Fine Wine Magazine, Issue 74
#2 of 24, Anthony Rose’s Top Wines, 2008 v 2009 Prestige Cuvee Champagne, The World of Fine Wine Magazine, Issue 74
2008 v 2009 Prestige Cuvee Champagne, The World of Fine Wine Magazine, Issue 74
Piper Heidsieck ‘Rare’ 2013, Our Price $473
98 Points Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com:
"Originally a part of the legendary Piper-Heidsieck Champagne house, Rare is moving their Champagne Millésime to a new brand and want it to stand alone. (Think Delamotte and Salon.) The 13th vintage for this cuvée, the 2013 Champagne Millésime is a blend is 70% Chardonnay with the rest Pinot Noir, with the majority of the blend coming from the Montagne de Reims Grand Cru and Premier Cru. A bright yellow hue, its aromatics are exquisite and well-balanced, with fresh notes of key lime, candied apple, fresh croissant dough, fresh 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 fantastic balance of decadence and freshness, and I could drink this all day. It’s going to have a long drinking window."
97 Points Tyson Stelzer, Champagne Guide:
"This is a vintage described by the house as ‘dazzling’ for the unique light in autumn and also for its sunny spring delivering twice the usual sunlight. Villers-Marmery is very pure and fresh with its chalk expression and its lemon and lime nuances, which are pronounced here in an exceptionally vibrant and mineral style, a surprise for a cuvée that is not led by Côte des Blancs chardonnay. Pinot noir was sourced mostly from Verzy, with a cool climate very important for preserving the minerality of Rare. 2013 is the quintessential match between the style of Rare and the freshness of the season. A vintage for long ageing - give it at least ten years."
96 Points James Suckling, jamessuckling.com:
"Such a pleasingly elegant and multifaceted Champagne with salty, creamy and toasty elements all wound together. Plenty of apricot pastries, pears, brown butter, fennel and salted almonds, with some iodine. It’s silky on the palate, with soft and supple bubbles, while remaining fresh and on edge. 70% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir, from 11 cru villages mostly in Montagne de Reims with Cotes de Blancs. Disgorged December 2022. 9 g/L dosage."
95 Points Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator:
"An elegant, finessed Champagne, with the creamy mousse carrying a finely meshed yet concentrated range of blackberry puree and poached apricot flavors, plus blood orange peel, salted pistachio and aromatic accents of verbena, chalk and oyster shell. Shows mouthwatering acidity that carries the complex profile on the long finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2038."
95 Points Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast:
"The Champagne's name is just right. It has a rare finesse that gives it a wonderful tense character. Poised between dryness, great maturity and dense fruit, the wine is ready to drink."
17++ Points Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com:
"Deep straw gold. Excellent combination of tension and richness and a fine texture of mousse. Quite long. Obviously still quite youthful but it should age very well. Obviously superior."
Piper Heidsieck ‘Rare’ Rosé 2014, Our Price $601
97 Points Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator:
"Bursts with vibrant energy as soon as this hits the palate yet is refined and elegant throughout – akin to a prima ballerina's marriage of stored power and grace. Reveals a lovely range of strawberry coulis, blood orange granita, raw almond, honeycomb, smoke and chalk notes framed by chiselled acidity and carried on the vivacious, finely detailed mousse. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir."
96 Points Tyson Stelzer, Champagne Guide:
"A tense and tightly coiled Rare Rosé of medium to full salmon hue that unites the tension of fine-grained tannins with the cut of 2014 acidity and the omnipresent salt mineral structure of lauded crus. An intense core of blood orange, cumquat and morello cherry is accented with tamarillo and spice. This is a rosé built primarily around the tremendous structure and precision of chardonnay, micro-engineered for the long-haul. Give it at least another decade in the cellar."
96 Points Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com:
"The 14th vintage of Rare, the 2014 Champagne Millésime Rosé has 9 grams per litre dosage, and most of the Pinot Noir in it comes from Verzy, with the red wine coming from Les Ricey. Pouring a brilliant orange/pink hue, the wine is juicy and fresh with aromas of wild strawberry tart, graham, blood orange, and a hint of cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, its mousse is inviting and adds just a hint of spice character, with notes of grapefruit pith on the finish. A bit more reserved on opening, it will benefit with more time to open and show its best, but it has a very attractive structure."
94 Points Claire Nesbitt, James Suckling:
"The fourth vintage of Rare Rosé, showing notes of cherry blossom, rose hips, black currants, cherry stones and some balsamic alongside star anise. Lovely, perfumed character on the palate, with roses coming to the forefront. Soft bubbles. Bright and open red fruit. 60% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir, mostly from Montagne de Reims, with 12% red wine from Les Riceys. 9g/L dosage. Delicious now."
17.5 Points Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com:
"Aged tamarind notes with some smoky and rose-petal character – really intriguing! There is richness on the way to a dry, appetising finish. Substantial wine with a relatively full body for a champagne. This could stand up to many a main course. Persistent. Lots to explore here."
Piper-Heidsieck Hors-Série 1982, Our Price $1388
98 Points Angus Hughson, winepiolt.com:
"Fantastic, brushed gold colour to start before aromas come thick and fast – overripe peach, roasted mixed nuts and Manuka honey against an almost smoky and savoury backdrop. The standout feature is the sheer power, vibrancy and focus for a wine of this age. A strong palate follows, robust and creamy yet defined by punchy fruit and still searingly youthful acidity. More toasty, honey, gingerbread and aged nutty Comté before diving towards spice and cigar box. It’s quite a big wine showing the generosity of the vintage before a sustained, lengthy finish. The wine is at peak but there is no need to hurry."
98 Points Huon Hooke, The Real Review:
"Full golden-yellow colour; very toasty old-wine bouquet which gradually opened up and revealed more with time in the glass. Aromas of toasted bread, toffee, vanilla, apricot, blood orange, quince paste; the palate full, rich and very dry, the penetrating acidity powering a very long finish. A very mature Champagne, not for everyone, but for those who enjoy aged Champagne, it's a joy. The rating is purely about pleasure."
97 Points Anthony Rose, The Real Review:
"Yellow gold, this Dorian Gray of a Champagne is remarkably fresh with an immediate depth to the aromas combining grilled nuts, ginger/spice and smoky sandalwood notes, and then, on taste, there’s a light underlying sandalwood toastiness, with farm butter, pine and dried apricot, almost like a white Rhône; and thanks to such substantial aromatic depth, it’s almost impossible to stop nosing it but that intensity is reprised in a rich intensity of flavour with underlying stone fruits supported by the bubbling of a gentle pressure and a mouth-wateringly dry, almost salty underpinning. Like a Montrachet with bubbles, it has enough life and vibrancy to evolve for at least another five years, possibly up to 10."
97 Points Peter Moser, Falstaff.com:
"Strong golden yellow, silver reflections, very fine, persistent mousseux. Ripe bouquet, delicate blossom honey, ripe ringlet fruit, delicately nutty, fine minerality, ripe stone fruit, delicate nuances of oxidation that dissolve with air, nuances of brioche and almonds, candied orange zest. The bouquet opens with a little time, delicate white peaches, pineapple, orange marmalade, fine touch of nougat. Firm on the palate, white apple, very racy structure, salty, delicate Rancio nuances, tight knit, very youthful, some almond biscuits on the finish, some Nutella, fine, good tropical fruit on the finish, hazelnut flour in the aftertaste, lingers for minutes."
96 Points Ken Gargett, Quill & Pad:
"The 1982 Hors-Serie is superb champagne. Golden in color, mine had minimal bead – hardly a surprise at this age – and had similarities to a great aged white Burgundies. Others discussed the freshness of their bottles. Certainly, there was some seriously impressive freshness here, but I suspect not quite to the extent enjoyed by others. I have no issue with this. At this age, some variation is inevitable and to be expected, but more importantly, the wine itself was complex, mature and a glorious drink. Stewed apple notes, yellow plums, coffee beans, stone fruits, peaches, orange rind and even a hint of ginger. A touch of honey towards the finish and a luscious texture. This is sensational champagne. There is no rush to drink it. The wine should continue to age well over the next decade, but that said, there is no reason not to enjoy it now."
Piper-Heidsieck Hors-Série Sauvage 1982, Our Price $1388
98 Points Huon Hooke, The Real Review:
"A more golden colour, looking slightly older than the Hors Série, and very little gas pressure remained. Vanilla, crème patissière and nutty aromas: this has more of the toffee, crème caramel notes because of longer time aging on its dosage. The taste is voluminous, with magnificent flavour and mellow richness. Fruit flavours are almost absent due to great age. Very complex, rich and mellow, and more ample than the Hors Série. The rating is purely hedonic. (60:40 pinot noir/chardonnay. The original disgorgement, disgorged in 1992 after 10 years on lees."
97 Points Anthony Rose, The Real Review:
"Completely different in colour to Hors-Série, a rich old gold in the glass, and not unexpectedly this shows much more in the way of rich autumn bonfire smoke in the aroma, exotic with dried apricot and mango notes and grilled hazelnuts too, and then, when you taste the wine, a creamy-textured richness and generosity of fruit envelops the tongue with a smoky/toasty element to it, a broader sweetness in goût anglaise traditional Champagne style, richer and rounder, with a continuation of that underlying smoky/woody feeling, its gentle bubbles bursting with a mouthwatering pineapple-citrus acidity, almost a saltiness, on the finish. Now at its perfect peak."
17.5 Points Matthew Hayes, jancisrobinson.com:
"Deep gold; no bubbles again, but the same fine mousse in the mouth. Coffee, apricot and burnt honey on the nose; very torrified, but lovely depth and spice. Mushrooms and truffle, really quite spectacular for lovers of oxidative notes."
Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2013, Our Price $528
99 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"Pinot Noir of glorious, pinpoint precision leads with fantastic purity of raspberry and red cherry fruits, dancing rose petal aromatics and understated spice. Chardonnay supports with exacting determination and sensational chalk mineral detail of crystalline finesse, like a fireworks trail set against an impenetrable firmament."
98 Points Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast:
"Complex and balanced, mature fruit and toast working together, this is a great wine."
97 Points Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com:
"The 2013 Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut, composed of 95% Pinot Noir, is the 20th release of this cuvée, and this version is robust, classic, and noble in its expression."
97 Points James Suckling:
"Complex and subtle aromas of dried ginger, pie crust, cooked apple and cooked peach follow through to a full body with ginseng, toasted bread and dried apple. Very fine and multidimensional. Great wine."
97 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com:
"Bright saline notes cut through a core of lemon confit, dried flowers, apricot, tangerine peel, mint and sage. As compelling as the 2013 is, it really needs more time to open a bit."
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs 2012, Our Price $438
99 Points James Suckling:
"This is a fantastic and refined Blanc de Blancs. So layered and complex, with lemon curd, chalk, hazelnuts, pastries, baked apples and almond croissants. Structured and tightly wound, with almost imperceptible bubbles. Delicious salty notes at the end. Beautiful."
98 Points Tyson Stelzer:
"Projecting a brilliant, pale straw hue, this is a luminous beacon for the grandeur of the grand crus of the Côte des Blancs. Racy lemon and grapefruit coalesce with the succulence of white peach and the crunch of beurre bosc pear."
97 Points John Gilman:
"On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with a brisk girdle of acidity, superb focus and grip, utterly refined mousse and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish."
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck:
"It hits a lot of the right marks in this vintage, offering plenty of purity and balance, and will certainly provide a very wide drinking window for enjoyment."
96 Points Antonio Galloni:
"The combination of bright citrus, mineral and floral notes typical of Comtes, enhanced by the soft contours of the vintage, makes for an inviting, open-knit Champagne that is quite showy right out of the gate."
95+ Points William Kelley:
"The 2012 is somewhat reminiscent of the brilliant 2002. If it gains in tension and cut with more time on cork, it will make this initial rating seem conservative."
95 Points Yohan Castaing:
"From the very first whiff, this expresses energy, depth and complexity. Aeration reinforces this impression, while also revealing scents of orchard fruit, like apricot, but also exotic fruit, as well as hazelnut and delicate autolytic notes - pastry in particular."
18/20 Points Jancis Robinson:
"Some smokiness on the nose. Lemony, youthful and still quite tight with a detailed undertow – lots going on there! Lacy texture and impressive length. This one will run and run and seems at this stage to have more pronounced acidity than some of its precursors."
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