2012 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Rose

The 2012 Rare Rose Millesime, disgorged in December 2021 with a dosage of seven grams per liter, has developed gracefully. It opens with aromas of candied orange, apricot, cranberry and iris, mingling with buttered toast and a hint of smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, elegantly muscular and beautifully balanced, with a crisp fruit core, ripe yet racy acidity and a pillowy mousse, concluding with a long, sapid and delicately perfumed finish. Incorporating 8% red wine from Les Riceys, it is more complete and harmonious than the 2014 and is really just quite starting to show its cards. 95 points