New Release. Price £185.00. Rare 2008: True to the Rare Champagne signature, Rare Millésime 2008 holds unlimited potential for growth, youth and complexity. Rare Millésime 2008 imparts the fervour of an infinite spring. Introduction: Made only eleven times since 1976 (1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008), Rare Champagne lives up to its name. Champagne legend Régis Camus is the Chef de Cave, whose meticulous winemaking has made him Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the IWC eight times. The wine is born out of a struggle with nature – in 1976 it was after a period of exceptional drought, in 1985 following a terrible black frost. Rare Champagne pays homage to the glory days of Versailles when founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck presented his first ever ‘prestige cuvée’ to Marie Antoinette in 1785, declaring that he wanted to make a ‘cuvée worthy of a queen’. Tasting Notes: A light golden colour. In a subtle, joyful effervescence, the intense crystalline golden robe evokes yellow diamonds. The initial nose shines by the pure vivacity of this vintage. As Rare Millésime 2008 gradually warms in the glass, a vast range of orange blossom, hyacinth and white flowers is released. This leads to the delicacy of vanilla blossoms, a touch of fresh coconut, aromas of just ripe Williams pear and fresh almond, enhanced by notes of tangerine and blackcurrant buds. The second nose reveals the saline minerality, abundant and refined, an iodine-smoky harmony and a touch of liquorice. On the palate the crispy, precise attack is followed by exuberant aromas of fresh pineapple, freshly cut and crisp, passion fruit, kiwi and coconut, nuanced with The Year 2008: Following a beginning of a year that was mild, dull and rainy, the beautiful summer coincided with a perfectly mature harvest, continuing through the first two magnificent weeks of September. 2008 is definitely an exceptional year in Champagne Food Pairing: Oysters, ginger, lemon Lobster roasted in pieces, white Soisson beans, Tonka cream Lamb fillet with citrus crust, zucchini flower, candied eggplant and garden peas Ageing Potential: Astonishing until 2050 and then magnificent. Awards: Best Champagne of the World Best Wine Of The World Competition 2021 Classic Blend Vintage Champagne Trophy International Wine Challenge 2020 Gold Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championship 2020 97 Points Wine Spectator 2020 19,5/20 Guide Bettane & Desseauve 2021 18/20 Gault & Millau 2021