Piper-Heidsieck Rare 1998

Honeyed and broad, with candied citrus, white blossom and a faint oyster-shell quality on the nose. Stone fruit, nectarine, apricot, sits at the core, threaded with chalky depth and a drift of toast and light oxidative smoke. Fine, persistent bubbles carry everything forward through a long, unhurried finish. Built to age gracefully; no rush here.