Piper Heidsieck Rare 2012 (750ML)

97 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Complex notes of buttered toast, orange rind, licorice, fig and brioche on the nose, followed by honey and salted caramel on the palate. It’s layered, powerful and rich, yet so fresh and lively, with very fine bubbles that are well integrated. Long and intense. 70% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir. At least 10 years on the lees. 8g/L dosage. Drink or hold." 07/24

96 Points, Tom Hewson, Decanter: "The concentration, ripeness and paradoxical brightness of Rare 2012 leaps out, in contrast to the cooler, sharper 2013 and 2008 releases. There's no excess weight here, though, as there was in 2006. The voluptuous, fragranced Chardonnay of the Montagne de Reims is not shy with its fleshy orange citrus and tropical tones. It's held in beautiful tension by zesty acidity, gentle Pinot Noir firmness and the maturing notes of charry citrus, honey on toast and even vanilla, all lifted by emerging white pepper and spice details. What strikes most is the gliding, satin-smooth mousse and effortless length, all of which promises a great deal for those willing to wait. (Drink 2024-2044)" 09/24

96 Points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator: "A graceful Champagne that waltzes across the palate, with a fine, plush mousse carrying a lovely range of ripe black cherry, pureed raspberry, candied ginger, Mandarin orange peel, grilled nut and pastry flavors enlivened by a vibrant spine of lemony acidity. To a certain extent, the precision and elegance belies the focus and breadth on display, so sip this slowly and enjoy as it opens in the glass and expands on the palate, echoing on the finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2040. 2,000 cases imported." 12/24

96 Points, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com: "Golden yellow-hued, the 2012 Champagne Millésime has notes of pineapple, brûléed citrus, honeyed ginger, and lemon curd. Round and full, it offers a pillowy mousse with a long finish. It has more ripeness than the 2013 but has fantastic underlying tension and acidity. It’s deceiving, as it is quite approachable now but also has the bones to age over the coming decades. (Drink between 2024-2045)" 12/24

96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2012 Brut Millésime blends 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay mainly from Montagne de Reims and a small portion from Côte des Blancs, giving it a slightly unusual yet eternally sleek Chardonnay bent. It spent a decade on the lees. Its nose is a smoky wonder, combining ripe, almost tropical fruit with a gorgeous toasty sense of grilled almonds. An overtone of candied orange peel flashes up momentarily. The palate brings wonderfully golden plum fruit, ripe yet fresh, juicy and utterly aromatic, verging on apricot and always surrounded by a toasty, warming frisson of grilled nuts, pervaded by a streak of finest freshness. This is immensely youthful, captured with brilliantly pure fruit and lasting expression that rings long in a toasty umami echo. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. (Drink between 2024-2045)" 02/25

17 Points, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com: "Precise, crisp acid. Toasty notes with ripe green-apple fruit and a long umami yeastiness on the palate. That lingering savoury character seems to amplify on the finish. (Drink between 2025-2030)" 08/25