Dom Pérignon : Vintage 2012

The refinement and aromatic richness of an exceptional vintage champagne

The producer

Dom Pérignon champagne owes its name to the famous monk of the Abbey of Hautvillers in 1668, Pierre Pérignon a.k.a. Dom Pérignon. According to legend, Pierre Pérignon discovered what is known today as the Champagne method. It is said that he then taught this method in 1669 to the Benedictine Thierry Ruinart, who founded Ruinart, the first of the historic Champagne Houses, in 1729. On January 1, 2019, Vincent Chaperon succeeded Richard Geoffroy as Cellar Master of Dom Pérignon.

The wine

In essence, Dom Pérignon only exists as a vintage champagne. Dom Pérignon Vintage champagne is made from an extremely rigorous selection of the best grapes. Depending on the quality of the vintage, Dom Pérignon chooses whether or not to declare that vintage. Characterised by its remarkable fullness and harmony, Dom Pérignon Vintage champagne is revealed to the world only after more than 8 years in the cellar.

The vintage

2012 was a vintage in which particularly variable and difficult climatic conditions impacted the vineyard. Marked by episodes of frost, winter gave way to a spring of successive frosts, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and a sudden drop in temperatures during flowering. The hot and dry climate of the summer, especially in August, was optimal both for relieving sanitary pressure and for promoting the ripening of the fruit. The grapes harvested between September 10 and 26 revealed a perfect balance between tension, freshness and richness. Despite the low yields, 2012 was a great vintage for champagne.

The blend

This Dom Pérignon Vintage 2012 is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The tasting

Nose

The complex nose combines floral (white flowers) and fruity (apricot, plum) aromas with a beautiful minty freshness and subtle smoky notes, leading to a tasty minerality.

Palate

The precise and generous palate reveals a lively effervescence. Over the course of the tasting, the palate exudes aromas of ginger, tobacco and toast, leading to a tighter finish with good persistence.