Dom Pérignon is undoubtedly one of the world’s finest champagnes. It is named after a Benedictine monk who was thought to have invented the traditional method for making sparkling wines. Dom Pérignon is only available as a vintage cuvee, made only in the best years. The wine is 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir, with 7g/l dosage. All vintages need at least 12 months ageing to nurture Dom Pérignon’s signature silky mousse.
98 Points James Suckling
Fantastic complexity and subtlety with light bread dough, lemon rind, spiced pear, aniseed and licorice on the nose. Full-bodied. Dense and silky textured. Ultra-fine bubbles. Flavorful and smooth finish. Drink and enjoy this late release.
97+ Points Antonio Galloni
The 2002 Dom Pérignon P2 is wonderfully open in its aromatics, but a bit less giving on the palate, especially next to the regular release. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper open up first, followed by hints of apricot, honey, chamomile and light tropical notes. Interestingly, the P2 is quite a bit less tropical than the original release. Chef de Caves Vincent Chaperon told me he thinks the original release shows more of a buttery character because of the combination of the ripeness of the vintage and the natural evolution of the wine post-disgorgement under crown seal, as opposed to the P2 which stayed much longer on its lees. It is hard to know if that is an exact explanation, but the reality is that the two 2002s are quite far apart stylistically.
99 Points Wine Spectator
And so from P1 methuselah to P2, which for Geoffroy ‘goes beyond Champagne’. P2, he continues, must be ‘deeper, richer, longer…better than P1′ – otherwise why release it? Well, they haven’t yet, although it’s pencilled in for later in 2019. Here we have drive, vinosity and incredible length. The sweet and savoury balance indulges with a seductive embrace. Gustav Klimt in a glass maybe. Outstanding.