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Rare Champagne Reveals Millésime 2012
New Vintage Release is Radiant Ode to Joy
September 16, 2025
Rare Champagne, celebrated for its unapologetic exclusivity and singular vintages, proudly reveals Rare Millésime 2012 to the United States. Like an ode to joy, this radiant vintage, born of adversity yet graced with brilliance, captures the spirit of the year. With dazzling vibrancy and profound length, Rare Millésime 2012 exemplifies the House’s dedication to extraordinary expression.
“Rare Millésime 2012 follows in the footsteps of Rare Millésime 2002 with its purity and iconic character,” says Émilien Boutillat, Chief Winemaker. “The wine expresses the combination of spiced aromas and tropical notes with unparalleled, indulgent precision. Its radiant and joyful minerality gracefully emerges.”
The 2012 growing season started challenging — frost, hail, and rain tested the vines. Yet nature delivered a heaven-sent summer, warm and luminous, producing grapes of remarkable concentration and poise. With yields low but quality extraordinary, Rare Millésime 2012 emerged as a vintage of generosity. As with previous Rare Champagne cuvées, the 2012 vintage was created to reflect an exceptional year that magnifies nature itself.
A Celebration of Exceptional Terroirs
Rare Champagne draws its essence from the northern and eastern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Chardonnay from Villers-Marmery — perfumed, exotic, and vibrant — lies at the heart of Rare Champagne’s DNA, giving voice to the generosity of warm years while preserving its signature freshness. It is complemented by fruit from Vertus, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly, and Avize. The 70% Chardonnay is completed by 30% Pinot Noir from Verzy, Verzenay, Aÿ, Ambonnay, and Villedommange.
Aged more than a decade on the lees, Rare Millésime 2012 emerges expressive and poised, destined to evolve with elegance over the decades to come.
Soaring Sensations
Subtle at first, the nose gradually opens. Its rich aromas evoke a stroll through Portofino — lush greenery in full bloom and fruits lingering in the air. Mango, guava, plum, and blueberry are especially prominent, while bold citrus notes (bergamot, lemon) conjure the sparkling atmosphere of the Italian Riviera. Floral lilac notes recall elegant Mediterranean gardens.
Finally, hints of honey, black tea, vanilla, and white pepper yield to incense, smoke, and accents of dried plants (lime blossom, blonde tobacco), revealing the signature of Rare Champagne.
Exquisite Pairings
Rare Millésime 2012 is a refined partner for haute cuisine — from coconut-smoked poultry and langoustine tartare, to sole meunière with bergamot, to poached rhubarb with Sicilian pistachio.
Available now at select fine wine retailers and online at NobleMerchants.com, Rare Millésime 2012 has a suggested retail price of $250.