2008 Piper-Heidsieck Vintage Cuvee Rare Rose

Lot code: L1990198098. Blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir (including the 13% still red added for colour). A blend of 13 crus (including Chardonnay from Villers-Marmery, Vertus and Montgueux and Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Verzy). Fermented in tank with full malo. Aged for nine years on the lees and a further two years after the disgorgement in July 2018 with dosage 8 g/l. Another extraordinary bottle tasted immediately after the Belle Epoque 2012. (I wonder how long we will go on explaining how Rare was spun out of Piper Heidsieck with Régis Camus in charge?) Very bright, pale flame-orange – if that makes sense. Very exciting nose with layers of coconut (if Camus is not insulted by that), broad and rich initially but very lively, bright-fruited finish. Super-clean, refreshing but layered. Really pretty spiffy! Grown-up wine with a dry finish. Thundering, multi-layered finish. This is a wine that commands attention. Though it is a crazy price. (JR)