Description
In a delicate dance of effervescence, the intense crystalline golden hue of Rare Millésime 2008 recalls the sparkle of yellow diamonds. Upon the first whiff, the bouquet bursts forth with the vibrant vivacity of this vintage. As the wine gently warms in the glass, a kaleidoscope of aromas unfolds, from fragrant orange blossom and hyacinth to delicate white flowers. Delicate hints of vanilla and fresh coconut mingle with the essence of just-ripened Williams pear and crisp almond, underscored by whispers of tangerine and blackcurrant buds.
A second inhalation reveals the wine’s intricate minerality, characterized by a refined interplay of saline nuances and subtle smoky iodine, with a hint of licorice lingering in the background. On the palate, a crisp and precise entry yields to a symphony of exuberant flavors: ripe pineapple, freshly sliced passion fruit, tangy kiwi, and creamy coconut, all accentuated by zesty citrus undertones. These flavors interweave seamlessly with plush, spring-like notes, leading to an exceptionally long and lingering finish.
With its remarkable saline and iodine-laced finale, Rare Millésime 2008 invites you on an endless journey through the essence of spring.
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.
96 Points Wine Enthusiast
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.
95 Points Decanter
A lively first nose of candied lemon, guava, also a hint of lime. With aeration, notes of almonds and almond flowers come to the fore. On the palate, there is a nervy tension that energises its fine, crystalline texture. This is an upright and elegant Champagne whose long, airy finish is mouthwatering. After some time in the glass, it evolves towards notes of smoke, flint and vanilla. A sumptuous Champagne.
93 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The newly released 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare is very promising, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved nose of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, iodine and oyster shell, as well as some rather herbaceous characteristics that depress my score a little, even if I suspect that they will resolve with a bit more bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and tightly wound, if the 2006 vintage was gourmand and demonstrative, the 2008 is slower to show all its cards. Built around racy acids and complemented by a pillowy mousse, this rendition of Cuvée Rare will reward a few years more on cork.
