Rare Champagne 2012 Achieves Unprecedented 100-Point Score from James Suckling

Rare Champagne 2012: A Stunning Achievement

In a remarkable turn of events, Rare Champagne has garnered immense acclaim for its Millésime 2012 vintage, which has received a perfect score of 100 points from renowned wine critic James Suckling in his 2026 Champagne Tasting Report. This prestigious acknowledgment not only marks a significant milestone for the brand but also emphasizes the outstanding quality and craftsmanship that Rare Champagne is celebrated for.

James Suckling characterized the Rare Millésime 2012 as “one of the best 2012s released,” praising its exceptional freshness and clarity alongside subtle notes of ripe mangoes, crisp apples, and a hint of pie crust. He further noted the wine's exquisite balance and an enduring finish that showcases its precision and sophistication—attributes that are the hallmark of haute couture Champagne.

Maud Rabin, Directrice of Rare Champagne, expressed her pride in the recent achievement: “Receiving a perfect score from James Suckling is an incredible honor, which recognizes our commitment to producing exceptional vintage Champagne. The 2012 vintage encapsulates joy with its vivid precision, depth, complexity, and a refreshing minerality. After more than ten years of patient aging, seeing it receive this distinction is profoundly gratifying.”

The success of the Millésime 2012 is attributed to a noteworthy growing season. Despite experiencing winter and spring frosts along with intermittent rain and hail, the summer unfolded delightfully, leading to the crucial heat in mid-July that promoted excellent ripening conditions. Although the harvest yield was low, the incredible quality of the fruit promises a remarkable wine.

For the Rare Millésime 2012, the Chardonnay grapes have been carefully sourced from the vineyards of Villers Marmery, Vertus, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly, and Avize, while the Pinot Noir varietals come from Verzy, Ay, Verzenay, Ambonnay, and Ville-Dommange. The blend consists of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, undergoes full malolactic fermentation, and has been aged on the lees for a minimum of ten years, succeeding by an additional nine months after disgorgement.

Ideal for gourmet dining experiences, Rare Millésime 2012 pairs effortlessly with exquisite dishes like veal, langoustine, toasted pain de campagne, and poached rhubarb, elevating any culinary occasion.

Currently, the Rare Millésime 2012 is available at select retailers and high-end dining establishments across the nation, with a retail price set at $250.

About Rare Champagne

The origins of Rare Champagne trace back to 1785 when Queen Marie Antoinette sampled the first cuvée from the House. Known for its limited production and uncompromising exclusivity, Rare Champagne symbolizes a regal defiance of conventionality. Since 1976, a mere 14 vintages have been released, solidifying its reputation as an elite brand that transcends the norms of the Champagne industry. The Cellar Master meticulously crafts each vintage to embody the defining traits of an exceptional year, illuminating the brilliance of nature.

Recent accolades include B Corp Certification, which joins Rare Champagne to the prestigious B Lab community, a non-profit network established in 2006, showcasing their ethos of excellence in every facet of production and sustainability.