Wine Highlight: 2012 Dom Perignon
Dom Perignon needs little introduction, as one of the world's most iconic and prestigious Champagnes. Top vintages of Dom Perignon gain a wonderful depth and complexity as they age whilst also becoming increasingly sought after as they become rarer to find.
The immensely impressive Dom Perignon 2012 is set for the long term - with plenty of upside potential for collectors. A highly rated vintage in Champagne, yields were low in 2012 following early frost and hail - but an excellent August and September produced very high quality by harvest. The small crop of grapes was lush and concentrated, with the acidity to make outstanding Champagne for the long term.
For Dom Perignon, Pinot Noir (51%) was gorgeous - ripe, firm and dense, while Chardonnay (49%) was rounded and fresh. Cellar master Vincent Chaperon notes that every grape variety, every region, every village, every plot in 2012 performed at their highest level. 2012 is "more concentrated and dense than 2008, which was more classic, elegant and ethereal,” and more vibrant than the buttery, rich 2002. All the characteristics of the vintage are there: ripe intense concentration, richness and a vibrant, long, ageworthy finish.
"Wonderful elegance and balance to this Dom Pérignon with cooked apple, lemon and hints of white pepper and salt. It’s medium-bodied with really fine bubbles and balance. Spicy at the end. So wonderfully fresh, linear and long. Racy and elegant. A DP that invites to drink right now. All about finesse. Tension, too, with precise phenolics and bright acidity on the back palate. Subtle energy. Drinkable now, but will develop beautifully in the bottle." James Suckling
Dom Pérignon’s fine mousse, racy acidity, and layers of complex flavours make it a sublime match for many luxurious dishes like Truffled Wild Mushroom Risotto or Lobster Thermidor - where the creamy indulgent sauce and rich lobster meat are beautifully cut by the wine’s subtle acidity and delicate bubbles.