2008 Joseph Perrier Cuvee Josephine Brut Champagne 750 ml

Since Joséphine’s first release in 1982, only nine vintages have proved worthy of Joseph Perrier’s flagship cuvée. Today’s 2008 is not just the best Joséphine ever, but one of the best prestige cuvées of the spectacular 2008 vintage: It topped premier vintage-dated cuvées from Dom Pérignon ($278), Bollinger ($173), Perrier-Jouët ($192), Taittinger ($219), and dozens more. 

From one of the great years in Champagne’s history—2008 was rated 99 points by Robert Parker—the ninth Joséphine is a stunning expression of Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, aged to perfection in the cool cellars at 200-year-old Joseph Perrier. It landed on Decanter’s Best Champagnes of 2019 list, earning 96 points. It also received Editors’ Choice honors denoting exceptional value. 

Aged a full decade on the lees before disgorgement, we call this an extreme value—more than a library release coming directly from the Perrier cellars in Reims, this one hails from one of the best Champagne vintages in history, and tops some of the region's finest wines. 

Glowing deep gold in the glass, the 2008 Joséphine delivers gorgeous ripe peach and dried cherry, garnished with white flowers. The chilly winter that set the stage for ‘08’s greatness is alive on the crisp, mouthwatering palate, and in the fresh, finely beaded mousse. The finish is long and layered, offering toasted brioche, almond, and a hint of bitter honey. 

Piling on the praise, Decanter called Cuvée Joséphine “iconic,” writing of its “powerful aromatic intensity” and “dense, generous yet silky texture.” Wine Enthusiast awarded it Editors’ Choice honors, calling it an “impressive vintage” and “fine perfumed blend.” 

For the last dozen years, the ‘08 Joséphine has lain dormant, deep in the fourth-century Gallo-Roman cellars at Joseph Perrier. Steadily adding depth and complexity, its flavors have melded into a blend both seamless and kaleidoscopic. And while it’s ready to deliver in spades with every popped cork, the 2008 Joséphine promises decades of life ahead. This is a bottling to mark special moments, in the short term and long into the future. 

The grandeur of Champagne Joseph Perrier dates back centuries. Founded in 1825 by a young native of Châlons-en-Champagne, it was a favorite of English royalty, dazzling the palates of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. Six generations later, Joseph Perrier is still family-owned, and has never strayed from its artisanal philosophy. 

The nearly 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that comprises the 2008 Cuvée Joséphine was hand-harvested from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Avize, Vertus, Chouilly, Cumières, Mailly, and Le Mesnil sur Oger. The estate is demanding in their selection—the grapes that make it into the press from the sorting table are nothing short of perfect, and it shows in the finished wine.

The result is a true prestige cuvée that represents the best of Joseph Perrier. Don’t miss this opportunity to lock in one of the top offerings from Champagne’s extraordinary 2008 vintage.