Professional Reviews
Burghound
BH
96
"As if any more confirmation was needed, this is yet another example confirming why 2008 is one of the great vintages for Champagne, indeed to my mind it remains the reference standard for the 21st C. A maturing and strikingly layered nose freely reveals ample yeast and baked bread nuances on the toasty nose of poached pear, apple, floral, citrus confit and a lovely array of spice nuances - the nose really is spectacular. There is fine richness, volume and density to the relatively powerful medium weight flavors that possess the same excellent depth as the nose before culminating in a clean, dry and impressively long finale that is supported by a generous mousse. If one wanted to be extremely picky, about the only aspect one might criticize is that the mousse is not especially fine, though I don't mean to imply that it's coarse because it's not. Either way, for my taste this has just arrived on the front end of its peak drinkability and should hold here for at another decade." -Allen Meadows
Antonio Galloni
AG
96
"Lemon zest frames the creamy richness on the nose that has hints of chalk and coconut macaroon but also reveals a beautiful depth that evokes summer rain on limestone soils. The palate comes with all the precision and exquisite freshness of 2008 but encapsulates a truffle- like complexity at its concentrated core: there is a floral hit of peony, something rich reminiscent of milk chocolate ganache and more of that virile and pervasive lemon freshness. This is glorious and somehow manages to convey great richness within that elegant and characteristic framework set by the amazing 2008 vintage." -Anne Krebiehl, MW
Robert Parker
RP
93
"The 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare, now re-baptized as "Rare Champagne," continues to evolve at a glacial pace. Offering up aromas of citrus oil, freshly baked bread and wet stones, it's medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with a tangy spine of acidity and a pretty pinpoint mousse, but much in the way of texture or amplitude has yet to emerge. While I continue to think that this has the makings of a very attractive bottling, continued patience is advised." -William Kelley
Decanter
D
96
"Rare Champagne boasts an illustrious past, with its first vintage having been presented to Marie Antoinette in 1785. The wine is produced in very limited quantities and is restricted to exceptional years, with only 11 vintages being declared over the past four decades of production. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from selected grand cru vineyards. Simon Field MW: Gentle bead, lovely evolved notes of hazelnut, even a hint of praline, enrobed and ennobled by firm acidity and a persuasive finish. Alan Bednarski: Great, pure wine with still-fresh zesty flavours, delicate palate and sweet yeast notes, with a long flavourful finish of ripe melon. Tim Hall: A challenging, pressing start, wanting to overwhelm with shimmering and sharp attack, but shows intensity on the palate to match. Lovely lemon-apple notes and tempered texture."
Wine Spectator
WS
97
"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."
Wine Enthusiast
WE
96
"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."
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