{"id":7355,"date":"2024-12-16T09:00:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-15T20:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grape-to-glass.com\/?page_id=7355"},"modified":"2025-06-07T16:52:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T04:52:06","slug":"rare-2008","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/grape-to-glass.com\/index.php\/rare-2008\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018joie de vivre\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t

Rare Mill\u00e9sime 2008<\/h3>\nGrape Varietals:<\/strong> 70% Chardonnay & 30% Pinot Noir
\nGrowing Region:<\/strong> Montagne de Reims – France
\nChef de Cave:<\/strong> R\u00e9gis Camus – *(Retired 21st March 2022)
\nChef de Cave: <\/strong> \u00c9milien Boutillat – *(since April 2022) \n\t\t\t\t\"Gavin-Wine-Review-5-Star-24-Sml-01\"\n\tI have had the pleasure on more than a few occasions to visit Piper-Heidsieck, and each time is more special than the last – as your senses are at attention for what is going to be opened and shared with special friends. Some say you should never meet your heroes. Well I can say with complete honesty, spending time with R\u00e9gis Camus – arguably the greatest Champagne winemaker (confirmed by R\u00e9gis being awarded the \u2018Sparkling Winemaker of the Year\u2019 8 times) is something extraordinary.
\nI am due to return to the Champagne Maison – knowing that R\u00e9gis has retired still takes some adjustment, being friends for so many years – but aware that the \u2018Rare\u2019 brand has been carefully passed to the next generation, and the talents of \u00c9milien Boutillat (who joined in 2018). I have mentioned in previous insights into \u2018Rare\u2019 Vintage Champagne – each is only crafted in the most unique of years – and have to be considered perfect for what Regis calls \u201can extraordinary cuv\u00e9e\u201d.
\nThis 2008 \u2018Rare\u2019 is a blend of 100% Grand Cru vineyards sourced from the Montagne de Reims region. The carefully selected fruit parcels typically go through a traditional first fermentation, then the important \u2018vin-clair\u2019 tasting and blending, then the second fermentation and ageing, as the wine is matured for over 11 years in their cellars before being disgorged, dressed and released in late 2021.
\nThe first \u2018Rare\u2019 vintage was made in 1976 after an incredibly intense heatwave. Since then, there have been nine more \u2018Rare\u2019 cuv\u00e9es: 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007 and now the 2008. \n\u2605 <\/strong>As you pour you will be greeted by a dazzling golden colour with a crystal shimmering effervescence. This Rare Mill\u00e9sime 2008 articulates the perfect tension between intensity and elegance. These sensations effortlessly dance across the palate in precise and harmonious step clearly leaving a defined footprint which is smoothed by fresh waves of flavour. This vintage has a signature of complexity and bold seams of minerality, highlighted by exotic spice notes, promising infinite pleasure.
\nThe palate has an explosion of freshly cut pineapple, passion fruit, yellow kiwi, coconut and almonds, along with vibrant citrus notes. These combine to create a luscious cuv\u00e9e with a solid structure, fully engaging and bursting with panache. This 2008 vintage will be remembered for its \u2018joie de vivre\u2019 and precise minerality. \nThis 2008 Vintage \u2018Rare\u2019 Brut Champagne has 12% Alc.\/vol. With a dosage of 8.5g\/L. Chill gently and serve in an aromatic wine glass or generously shaped flute at 9\u00b0- 11\u00b0C. *NZ$560.00\n A Champagne experience which needs to be on your bucket-list.<\/em>\n

<\/p>\n\nCELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 16\/12\/24)
\nIncredibly complex and ready to be enjoyed; and will age gracefully for another 9 – 10 years.
\n
\nFOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
\n Perfect wine pairing with lobster, crayfish, stuffed crab, oysters, herb-crusted whole-fish, chicken w\/ lemon couscous, tempura coated seafood or vegetables and an apple tart with vanilla cream – enjoy<\/em>.\nAlways Share Responsibly\n

<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Regis-Camus-2022-Image-01\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"TASTING-PDF-Icon-Clear-001\"\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Stemware-Icon-01\"\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

35 YEARS EXPERIENCE \u2022 WINE & STEMWARE EXPERT <\/h3>\n\t\t

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