Rare brut Millesime 2006

• Exotic fruit & spices, orange peel and dried apricots.
• A lush Rare with a creamy palate and soft perlage.
• Enjoy now while waiting for 2008, 2012 and 2013.

Rare 2006 is the perfect expression of a warm, ripe year: this lush, full-bodied champagne has a soft perlage and a silky palate, which is prolonged by good acidity. The fruit aromas radiate the sunshine of a warm summer: pineapple, ripe lemon and mango meet dried apricots and lightly candied orange peel. There are hints of vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa in the air. On the palate, nutty notes and roasted aromas take over in the second half, with even a hint of Riesling on the finish.

Rare is the prestige cuvée from Piper Heidsieck, which otherwise tends to cater to the mass market. For around three decades, however, the expertise of Charles Heidsieck's cellar masters has been evident, as both houses have the same owner, even though they have been sold several times during this period. Rare consists of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. The high Chardonnay content is unusual. The grapes come from the Grand Cru vineyards of Avize, Oger and Verzy, and from the Premier Cru Villers-Marmery, which is known for its lush Chardonnays. Rare 2006 was disgorged in December 2018. Rare was introduced in the 1980s with the 1976 vintage, replacing the old Prestige Cuvée Florens-Louis. The 1988 and 2002 vintages in particular are legendary. Overall, Piper Heidsieck's Rare achieves a level that satisfies even the most discerning champagne lovers.