2012 Rare Millesime
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Tasting notes
On the nose, white fruit and flowers are followed with honeyed brioche toast, orange oil and rich shortcrust pastry, delicate spices and underlying flintiness. On the palate, sumptuous ripeness and concentration is balanced by supreme freshness; an elegant, enveloping, silken mousse. Meyer lemon and apple, spiced biscuit and honey backed by mineral texture and beautiful acid. Long, intense and vinous.
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Decanter
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
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.
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.