RARE CHAMPAGNE 'Rare' Brut Millesime 1999 MAGNUM

Description

IN BRIEF
Rare Champagne 'Rare' Brut Millésime 1999 is an extraordinary expression that highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of this esteemed producer. Created under the guidance of Régis Camus, an eight-time Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, this limited edition has been released only ten times since 1976. The 1999 vintage reflects the challenges of nature, showcasing a complex blend of flavours and aromas, including ripe fruit, brioche, and a subtle minerality that adds finesse. With an impressive 95 points awarded by Decanter for its vivacity, this Champagne offers a beautifully balanced taste and remarkable character. Ideal for celebrating special occasions, Rare Champagne 'Rare' Brut Millésime 1999 embodies a legacy of excellence, inviting you to indulge in a luxurious experience with every sip.

ABOUT THIS CHAMPAGNE
Rare Champagne 'Rare' Brut Millésime 1999 is an extraordinary expression that exemplifies the high standards and unique craftsmanship that make Rare Champagne a coveted choice among connoisseurs. Having been produced only ten times since its inception—those being in 1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2007, and 2008—this limited edition truly lives up to its name.

Under the meticulous guidance of Champagne legend Régis Camus, who has earned the title of Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) eight times, this Champagne reflects the depth of skill required to produce exceptional sparkling wine. The 1999 vintage, like its predecessors, is born from the challenges posed by nature, with each year presenting unique conditions that shape the resulting wine.

Régis Camus employs a distinctive approach in selecting vineyards, favouring the individual characteristics of the sites over merely prioritising Premier and Grand Crus. This philosophy allows him to create wines that are complex, distinguished, and pure expressions of their respective vintages.

Rare 1999 showcases an impressive blend of flavours and aromas that invite the senses to explore its layered profile. Each sip reveals a beautifully balanced taste, exhibiting the classic notes of ripe fruit, brioche, and a subtle minerality that characterises the finesse of Rare Champagne.

This vintage is ideal for celebrating special occasions or enjoying during intimate gatherings, where its exceptional quality can truly shine. Rare Champagne 'Rare' Brut Millésime 1999 is not just a drink; it represents a legacy of excellence and an homage to the art of Champagne-making, inviting you to indulge in a truly luxurious and memorable experience with every glass.

DECANTER 95 points
Tasted by: Tom Hewson
(at London, 21 Nov 2025)
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2030
Tasted in magnum as part of a remarkable vertical tasting of Rare in Versailles, a 1999 brought out as a replacement magnum after a question over bottle condition yielded a wine of such vivacity and freshness that everyone – from professionals to the cellar master Émilien Boutillat himself – was visibly surprised. I can't think of 1999 in better shape today; this vintage is often rather heavy and chewy, but this perfectly preserved magnum was explosive with mango, pineapple, gunpowder and candied lemon notes, amazingly focused for the year and satin-smooth in texture and mousse. More famous vintages may have yielded ultimately more detailed and complex editions of Rare, but this fine magnum was a reminder that, at this age, there are great bottles as much as there are great wines.

VINOUS 93 points
From: New Vintage Champagne Releases (Nov 2008)
(75% chardonnay and 25% pinot noir) Pale yellow with a very fine bead. Seductively perfumed nose displays orange, lime, mineral, thyme and honeysuckle scents; the chardonnay is very strong today. Energetic and pure, with dusty minerality adding lift and cut to the fresh citrus and orchard fruit flavors. The long, juicy finish leaves behind a trail of minerals and peppery spices. - By Josh Raynolds on November 2008

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93 points
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
Drink Date: 2016 - 2034
Tasted from magnum and disgorged in 2015 with a dosage of 10 grams per liter, the 1999 Rare Millésime is now fully mature, offering a complex bouquet of candied pear, mango, buttered toast and roasted pineapple with a gentle reductive nuance. The palate is full-bodied, broad-shouldered and textural, with a vibrant core enlivened by pillowy mousse and succulent yet lively acidity, concluding with a long, toasty finish. As good as 1999 gets—and, unsurprisingly, softer than the 2002—it represents a considerable effort from a rather challenging vintage marked by a combination of warmth and rain, including rainfall just prior to harvest, which, when excessive, is never welcome at the close of a season under pressure.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 91 points
Putting aside the bling of the gold embossed design of the bottle, this Champagne shows the light character of most Piper-Heidsieck wines. However, there is one extra element: the woody, toasty character that provides both maturity and an element of tension. Not for keeping, but a wine that comes in on the serious side of lightness. — Roger Voss

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ABOUT RARE CHAMPAGNE
Rare Champagne is a prestigious and exclusive champagne brand produced by the renowned Maison Ruinart, one of the oldest champagne houses in France, founded in 1729. Known for its commitment to quality and elegance, Rare Champagne represents the pinnacle of luxury within the champagne category. The brand focuses on crafting limited-edition cuvées that celebrate the exceptional characteristics of meticulously selected grapes from the finest vineyards in the Champagne region.

The hallmark of Rare Champagne is its meticulous production process, which emphasizes using only the best grapes, primarily from grand cru vineyards. Each vintage is carefully crafted to showcase the unique terroir and the distinct flavour profiles associated with the rare harvest. The wines undergo extended aging on the lees, allowing for greater complexity and depth.

Rare Champagne is celebrated for its elegant, refined style, characterised by bright acidity and rich, nuanced flavours. The signature cuvée, Rare Brut, is often noted for its vibrant fruit notes, floral undertones, and mineral complexity, making it a favourite among champagne connoisseurs.

The brand's commitment to excellence has earned it significant acclaim in the wine community, and each bottle is a testament to the artistry of champagne production. Rare Champagne is presented in an elegant, bespoke bottle, underscoring its luxurious status and making it an ideal gift for special occasions.

As an invitation to experience the finest in champagne, Rare Champagne is perfect for celebrating life’s milestones or simply indulging in a moment of luxury. With its blend of history, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, Rare Champagne continues to captivate those who seek a truly remarkable and memorable sipping experience.