RARE CHAMPAGNE
CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE 2008 & 2012
How rare is Rare?
I speak of Piper-Heidsieck Rare, only 14 vintages of which have been declared since 1976. That's right — the world has seen only 14 bottlings of this celestial cuvee in the past 50 years.
And we've just secured possession of two of them: the 99-point 2008 vintage and the 97-point 2012 vintage, which, in our estimation, rank as the two best vintages of theirs this century.
Reviewing the 2008 bottling, which we're bringing you in magnum, James Suckling seemed almost overwhelmed by its abundance and energy. “Great tension and complexity,” he wrote, going on to laud the "full-bodied and zesty” palate with "tingling bubbles and a silky texture in the finish.”
He adored the 2012 vintage, too, which opens with "complex notes of buttered toast, orange rind, licorice, fig and brioche," followed by a rush of "honey and salted caramel on the palate.” "Layered, powerful and rich,” wrote Suckling, summing it up, "yet so fresh and lively, with very fine bubbles that are well integrated."
Every bottle of Rare is a triumph of the winemaking craft, with finely-etched details, consummate control, and exquisite expression.
But what makes each release special is that, well — each release is actually special.
Only those vintages that are really and truly exceptional are bottled.
It takes enormous confidence, and pride, to be so selective, and that enormous confidence and pride can only come from a legacy as rich and storied as this one.
Consider this: Piper-Heidsieck’s first cuvée was created for no less an eminence than Marie-Antoinette.
But that little gem of a detail is not the only claim to fame of this legendary house
.
And in Rare, it has achieved its pinnacle expression.
Chef de Cave Émilien Boutillat, twice named International Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, thinks outside traditional boundaries, selecting Chardonnay from Montagne de Reims for its mineral precision.
The goal, as ever, is the attainment of an extraordinary and layered complexity, with that wonderful silken texture that unfolds endlessly across the palate.
Of course, when it comes to Rare, you can’t only speak of quality — you have to also reckon with availability.
These bottles are in such short supply that acquiring them feels less like shopping and more like hitting the lottery.
Well, today your ticket has come in.
Act now to secure these; they won’t last long.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2026. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, KS, MA, MI, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OK, & TN. Rare Champagne 2008 1.5L only available in AZ, CA, DE, FL, MD, NV & TX. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026.