In a word: DAZZLING. Rare Millésime 2013 expresses the house’s signature - blending minerality with a tropical twist - in two stages. Despite its initially reserved appearance, this vintage unfurls delicious notes of pastries and spices in a saline tension that is both noble and full-bodied.

WEATHER: EXTREME. After a cold winter and spring punctuated by chaotic downpours, summer brought a mixture of sun, drought and thunderstorms. In September a chilly autumn exacerbated by strong winds, forced the harvest to begin late, in October.

ELABORATION was with the exclusive use of “the cuvée” to blend 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir and 11 Crus, of which 7 are classified as Grand Crus and 3 are classified as Premier Crus. Chardonnay came from Villers-Marmery, Vaudemanges, Verzy, Ambonnay, Avize, Chouilly, Oger, and Montgueux, while Pinot Noir came from Verzy, Verzenay, Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Tauxières. Full malolactic fermentation and a dosage of 9g/L went through on the lees aging of 8 years.

TO THE EYE: INTENSELY BRIGHT. The effervescence of Rare Millésime 2013 is tinged with an intensely bright, light golden color.

ON THE NOSE: FLORAL AND SPICED. The nose, at first subtle and clean, emerges in two stages combining tonicity and elegance. It all begins with the delicacy of white flowers, a hint of black tea and touches of citrus, kiwi and kumquat. Then, notes of lime blossom, green tea and fern give way to aromas of white fruits such as greengage plums. Touches of chestnut honey, sweet spices, vanilla and marzipan round off the wine’s rich bouquet.

ON THE PALATE: AROMATIC AND SMOKY. The two facets of Rare Millésime 2013 are confirmed in the mouth: smooth and vibrant, indulgent and dynamic. After hints of meringue, whipped cream and marzipan, kumquat, blood orange and kiwi then provide a refreshing tonicity. On the finish, the comforting texture of Rare Millésime 2013 appears as an aromatic and smoky indulgence punctuated by a freshness and a subtle bitterness. Rare Champagne’s iconic signature of tropic minerality is expressed differently in Rare Millésime 2013, extended by a plump and prolonged aftertaste.

PAIR: With a seafood platter, roasted scallops, kumquats and pomegranate with coriander, accompanied by an apple, lemon and ginger jus, “Aguachile” seabass tartare, kiwi, cucumber, John Dory ceviche, pomegranate, olive oil and lemon, lentil dahl, minted yogurt, or a simply exquisite lemon sorbet. The aging potential is dazzling until 2040, resplendent thereafter.