Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millesime Champagne
2013

Rare Millésime 2013 expresses the house’s signature, blending minerality with a tropical twist, in two stages. Despite its initially reserved appearance, this vintage unfurls delicious notes of pastries and spices in a saline tension that is both noble and full-bodied.

TASTING NOTES: On the eye: The effervescence of Rare Millésime 2013 is tinged with an intensely bright, light golden color. On the nose: The nose, at first subtle and clean, emerges in two stages combining tonicity and elegance. It all begins with the delicacy of white flowers, a hint of black tea, and touches of citrus, kiwi, and kumquat. On the second nose, notes of lime blossom, green tea, and fern give way to aromas of white fruits such as greengage plums. Touches of chestnut honey, sweet spices, vanilla, and marzipan round off the wine’s rich bouquet. On the palate: The dual personality of Rare Millésime 2013 is confirmed in the mouth: smooth and vibrant, indulgent and dynamic. Its full-bodied attack reveals hints of meringue, whipped cream, and marzipan. Kumquat, blood orange, and kiwi then provide a refreshing tonicity. On the finish, the comforting texture of Rare Millésime 2013 appears as an aromatic and smoky indulgence punctuated by a freshness and a subtle bitterness. Rare Champagne’s iconic signature of tropic minerality is expressed differently in Rare Millésime 2013, extended by a plump and prolonged aftertaste.

"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." - Wine Spectator