'A Legend in the Making' | Piper Heidsieck Rare 2002
'A Legend in the Making' | Piper Heidsieck Rare 2002
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (DC) |
In Bond
£542.00 |
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Decanter (98)Best in Show Award Pale gold in colour; very fine mousse. Fresh, pure and invigorating aromas in which green apple and citrus slowly give way to subtle, soft brioche, ivy leaf and plant sap; just a brush stroke of cream behind. This is a lean, pure Champagne of perfectly poised ripeness and restraint, very long in flavour, with the creamy richness of autolysis perfectly judged -- supportive but in no way obtrusive. The minority Chardonnay still takes a leading role at this stage; the majority Pinot Noir provides a pure frame and canvas. Exciting now, but don't hurry to drink, even though it already has a decade and a half behind it: there are further rewards ahead. |
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Piper-Heidsieck is one of the most historic of the great Champagne houses. It was founded by Florens-Louis Heidsieck on July 16, 1785 in Reims, Champagne. After founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck died in 1828, the business was taken over by his nephew, Christian Heidsieck, and his cousin Henri-Guillaume Piper. These combined to form the Piper-Heidsieck house after Henri Piper married the widow of Christian Heidsieck in 1838.
Their 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. Only made in truly exceptional vintages, the 2002 offered today is one of only 11 vintages of Rare in existence.
Scoring 98 points from Decanter, receiving 'Best in Show' at their World Wine Awards 2018, and double 97 points from Wine Spectator and Jeb Dunnuck, coming from legendary vintage this 2002 is a 'gorgeous wine that's a legend in the making' (JD).
Made from a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, the Rare 2002 is 'impeccably balanced and silky' on the palate with finely honed acidity that perfectly frames the 'expansive flavors of toasted brioche, crushed blackberry, lemon preserves and honey' (WS). With a 'great, great finish' (JD), hints of 'Frangelico liqueur and smoked nut' are beautifully revealed.
The 2002 was also sourced from 100% Grand Cru vineyards, with the Chardonnay grown in Avize, Chouilly, Oger, Trépail and Villers-Marmery whilst the Pinot Noir comes from Ambonnay, Ludes, Verzy.
Offered at only £360 per three IB, the Piper Heidsieck Rare is one of the rarest wines in the upper echelons of Champagne and the 2002 is one of the finest vintages ever.
