Dom Pérignon, 2008
Dom Perignon have finally released their much anticipated 2008 vintage. We are pleased, though not surprised, to report that it is quite exceptional. We’ve tasted it on two occasions and both times, the latter just days ago, we’ve been completely bowled over by its combination of precision, intensity and sheer transparency. It is both the most dynamic but also the most expressive young Dom Perignon we can remember tasting. It is as good as anything we’ve tasted from 2008, sitting alongside Clos des Goisses and Cristal at the top of the tree of 2008 Champagne releases. We heartily recommend cellaring some for a few years, but also wouldn’t be against opening bottles more immediately. Whatever your decision, this is a Champagne guaranteed to deliver pleasure in spades…
critic reviews
The 2008 Dom Pérignon remains one of the all-time greats here. No longer a young Champagne, the 2008 has begun moving into its first plateau of maturity. Baked apple tart, citrus confit, marzipan and lightly honeyed overtones are front and center. A touch of reduction—always present in 2008—adds freshness and energy.
Unquestionably the finest Dom Perignon of the decade, the 2008 Dom Perignon is drinking brilliantly today, wafting from the glass with notes of citrus oil, ripe orchard fruit, peach, buttered toast, pastry cream, iodine and smoky reduction. Full-bodied, rich and fleshy, it's vinous and layered, with a deep core of sweet fruit, racy acids and a long, saline finish. The 2008 is aging very gracefully.
Easily the best Champagne I had all year, first tasted at a château lunch. I couldn't stop thinking about it, and eventually bought a bottle for my husband's 50th. Just so much power and precision, while still having the delicacy, easy glamour and the most moreish delivery of fresh acidities and fleshy citrus. At it opens, toasted brioche, liqourice root and oyster shall curl out of the glass. Richard Geoffroy cellar master.