Rare has been established as a separate brand in recent years, but actually belongs to Piper Heidsieck. Piper Heidsieck has invested heavily in recent years to improve quality. However, Rare remains the only world-class champagne offered by the house. Rare has been around since the 1980s. The first vintage was 1976. The 1988 is particularly fabulous, as evidenced by several bottles we were able to purchase from the reserves two years ago. 2002 is also great. 2008 still needs a few years, but has great potential. Rare is characterized by the high Chardonnay content of usually 70%. However, it is a full-bodied Chardonnay style that is the goal. Exotic fruit and exotic spices are typical aromas.