2008 Piper-Heidsieck 'Rare' Brut Champagne Magnum 1.5L

98 Points - James Suckling

“Aromas of fruit, dried mangoes, light flint, apples and a hint of raw pie crust. It's full-bodied with fine, driving bubbles and rich fruit that gives intensity and length. Firm and focused at the end. A typical 2008 with power and structure. Tasted from a magnum. Released in 2022. Drink or hold.”

97 Points - 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. 2,000 cases imported.”

93 Points - Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate

“Tasted from magnum, disgorged in June 2024 with a dosage of nine grams per liter, the 2008 Rare Millesime has evolved at a glacial pace compared with its standard-bottle counterpart. It offers youthfully reserved aromas of freshly baked bread, lemon oil and green apple, subtly framed by smoky reduction. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, taut and tightly wound-especially in comparison with the 2012 and 2006-defined by bright acidity and long, precise finish. Its toasty complexity is yet to fully emerge, and such magnums will require several more years under cork post disgorgement.”