At 27 years from vintage and in magnum, expect mature notes of dried apricot, brioche, honey, almond, hazelnut, toast, and chalky minerality with a still-fine mousse, medium-to-full body, and integrated acidity. Magnum aging extends the freshness compared to standard bottles. The 1998 Champagne vintage was excellent.
- Varietal
- Chardonnay-dominant Champagne blend with Pinot Noir
- Region
- France / Champagne / Reims
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Style
- dry sparkling, prestige cuvée, mature, age-worthy
- Bottle
- Magnum (1.5L)
The producer
Rare Champagne (then branded Piper-Heidsieck Rare Millésime) — see prior entry. Magnum format ages more slowly than standard bottles, making this 1998 a particularly attractive collector format.
What critics say
Rare 1998 received strong reviews on release and has continued to earn praise as a long-aged prestige Champagne.
Pairing
Aged hard cheeses, lobster with butter, mushroom risotto