WTN: Outstanding Champagne from Piper-Heidsieck

[David M. Bueker]

2004 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut Millésimé - France, Champagne (3/6/2014)
Tasted blind in a lengthy line up of Champagnes, this stood out for its precision, balance, depth and persistence. It showed an amazing fresh baked wheat bread aroma, yeastiness (apart from the bread smells), fresh apple and stones. On the palate it had great cut and really filled out in the mouth as it warmed up a touch. I revisited the wine later in the evening, and it remained outstanding. I have not spent much time with Piper-Heidsieck lately, but this bottle opened my eyes.

I think because of its NV Brut not being one of the stars that P-H has an undeserved reputation of being second rate.

[David M. Bueker]

I have heard (but not yet tasted - need to remedy that) that P-H Brut NV is now much, much better.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the P-H Brut Cuvee NV, David. I would say that it is approaching parity with the NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin in terms of overall quality. I have been able to pickup some NV P-H in magnum at reasonable prices recently.

Approaching parity with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label isn't saying much. I won't go as far as a colleague who once said, "I wouldn't wash my dog in Yellow Label", but it certainly isn't among my favorites. One can do much better for a lot less money, IMO.

-Paul W.

[David M. Bueker]

Approaching parity with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label isn't saying much. I won't go as far as a colleague who once said, "I wouldn't wash my dog in Yellow Label", but it certainly isn't among my favorites. One can do much better for a lot less money, IMO.

-Paul W.

I was thinking that.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the P-H Brut Cuvee NV, David. I would say that it is approaching parity with the NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin in terms of overall quality. I have been able to pickup some NV P-H in magnum at reasonable prices recently.

It's considerably better, IMHO.

One can do much better for a lot less money, IMO.

List some widely available QPR NV names from the larger houses, Paul. I would agree that there is lots of superior QPR stuff among smaller/grower houses. I would also put both Duval-Leroy and Roederer above those two. Not Taittinger, M&C or Krug (over priced) in my opinion.

[David M. Bueker]

Less money than VC? Well the Roederer NV is cheaper by a few bucks. You have that one listed though.

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is often significantly cheaper than other "popular names" around Christmas (in Boston anyway). I bought 3 for $99 this past December.

I couldn't find Pol Roger NV Brut (one I used to buy alot) for $10 more.

Lately Paul Roger NV Brut has been significantly less expensive than Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label in the stores I've been to.

-Paul W.

Lately Paul Roger NV Brut has been significantly less expensive than Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label in the stores I've been to.

-Paul W.

That's interesting. VC Yellow Label was consistently under $40 in Boston near Christmas and Pol Roger was over $40.

The difference often being $8-10.

Yellow label here is about $42 and the Pol Roger comes in at about $50. I'll call that a push but I do prefer the VC over the Pol.

Aren't grower Champagnes available in these markets? Out here they're usually cheaper, and almost always more interesting, than the Grandes Marques.

[David M. Bueker]

Grower Champagnes are indeed widely available. Unfortunately they have taken big price jumps. Pierre Peters Brut NV now goes for $60 locally. Billiot same price. Aubry has been less expensive, but now is not available locally for less than $45.

Just found online some Aubry NV Brut for $30.75/each (if you buy a 12-pack).

I had bought one locally for $39 on sale, fell in love, went online to get more, and presto, I find this deal.

[David M. Bueker]

Great price!