Dom Pérignon, 2012
2002 has already proved itself a great year for Champagne, there seems to be an intensity, clear fruit, concentration and knife-edge acidic balance in the many cuvees already on the market. This time its the turn of Dom Perignon to release its version of what is swiftly becoming a legendary vintage, and they have done it in style. We like Dom Perignon, in recent and supposedly more “difficult” vintages such as 1999 and 2000 they have really overperformed and stand out when put up against those of their peers. A classic Dom Perignondemonstrates great sophistication and elegance but always with a deep richness looming quietly in the background that makes it so ageable. However even we were taken aback by 2002, the balance of racy, clear citrus and more exotic ripe fruits is quite extraordinary, without ever losing a gentle floral lemon blossom touch, or that classic dry stone steeliness. 2002 was characterised by a warm and dry Spring, with no significant frost and near-perfect flowering. The summer was marked by long sunny periods, interspersed with regular cloudy and rainy spells. The unexpectedly perfect weather just before the harvest compensated for the heavy rains of late August and early September. The vines were in good health, and the dehydration of the grape berries helped them reach new heights of ripeness. The harvest began between September 12 and 28.
critic reviews
Once again, the 2012 Dom Pérignon is stellar. It's a potent, tightly-wound Champagne. That should serve it well in the future, but today, the 2012 is not terribly expressive. Time in the glass brings out striking aromatic top notes and plenty of energy to match. Low yields, down 30-40%, produced a wild, dynamic Champagne endowed with tremendous character. It's an exceptional Champagne from a year marked by frost, hail, mildew, oidium and botrytis. Pretty much everything, in other words.
The 2012 Dom Perignon is developing very nicely on cork, exhibiting a complex bouquet of pear, confit citrus fruits, honeycomb, buttered toast, iodine and nuts framed by a deft touch of youthful reduction. Full-bodied, rich and muscular, with a layered core of fruit and a pillowy mousse, it's a vinous, vibrant Champagne that concludes with a saline finish.