2008 Rare Champagne, Rosé Millésime, Brut

Disgorged in May or June 2019.

Paler than 2007 – the 2008 effect! Smells like an upmarket household shop. Hint of scented candles. Lots of strawberry fruit, very fine. It's still quite chewy—pure and mineral but pretty young.

Drink 2020 - 2030

The 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare, now re-baptized as "Rare Champagne," continues to evolve at a glacial pace. Offering up aromas of citrus oil, freshly baked bread and wet stones, it's medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with a tangy spine of acidity and a pretty pinpoint mousse, but much in the way of texture or amplitude has yet to emerge. While I continue to think that this has the makings of a very attractive bottling, continued patience is advised.

Drink 2023 - 2043

In the first decade of this century, two years really stand out for Champagne: 2002 and 2008, although many now think that the cooler, more poised 2008 may win out in the end. Described with the two words, ‘precisely gracious’, the 2008 will be the next Blanc release. 

For the time being we have the fabulous rosé to enjoy, which is far lighter than the 2007 and much more refined. Cellar master Régis Camus waxes lyrical, comparing the colour to a ballerina’s pump or even the light filtering through the stained glass of the Basilica in Reims. 

Lovely evocative comparisons for a lovely, highly accomplished wine. Lychee, verbena and a basket of crisp red fruits all conspire with almonds, nutmeg and soft spice to shape this truly outstanding wine.

Drink 2019 - 2030

This has fantastic concentration, with notes of seashells, waxed and preserved lemons, blanched almonds, toasted coconuts and a smoky touch like tobacco and white ash. Waxy and textured, with very fine, almost imperceptible bubbles. Long, mineral and serious finish. Still tight. 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, mainly from Montagne de Reims. Disgorged end of 2022. 8g/L dosage. Tasted from Magnum, which will be launched later this year. 

Drink or hold

The 2008 Champagne Rare Rosé is straight-up sensational. Only the second time they’ve produced this cuvée, it offers a deep, full-bodied, powerful yet chiselled and laser-focused style carrying loads of wild strawberry fruit and notes of orange blossom, spice, and crushed rocks. Backwards, austere, yet simply loaded with potential, it needs a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for two decades or more.

Drink 2023 - 2043