Dom Perignon : Vintage 2012

The refinement and aromatic richness of an exceptional vintage champagne

The property

The Dom Pérignon champagne owes its name to the famous monk and procurator of the Abbey of Hautvillers in 1668, Pierre Pérignon, known as Dom Pérignon. According to legend, Pierre Pérignon discovered what we now call the Champagne method. Interestingly, he taught this method in 1669 to the Benedictine Thierry Ruinart, thus enabling Ruinart to historically become the first Champagne house in 1729. Since January 1, 2019, Vincent Chaperon has succeeded Richard Geoffroy as Cellar Master of Dom Pérignon.

The wine

By its very nature, Dom Pérignon only exists as a vintage. This Dom Pérignon Vintage is made from an extremely rigorous selection of the best Champagne terroirs. Depending on the quality of the vintage, Dom Pérignon chooses whether or not to declare the vintage. In the fullness of its harmony, Dom Pérignon Vintage champagne is revealed after more than 8 years of development and rest in the cellar.

The vintage

2012 is a vintage whose particularly variable and difficult climatic conditions impacted the vineyard. Marked by episodes of frost, winter gives way to a spring where frost, very heavy rainfall, hailstorms and a sudden drop in temperatures during flowering follow one another. The hot and dry summer climate, particularly in August, is optimal both to stop the sanitary pressure and to promote the maturation of the berries. The grapes harvested between September 10 and 26 reveal a perfect balance between tension, freshness and richness. Despite the low yields, this 2012 vintage champagne is of great quality.

Blend

Chardonnay and pinot noir. 

Characteristics and tasting advice for the 2012 Vintage from Dom Pérignon

Tasting

Nose
Complex, the nose combines floral fragrances (white flowers) and fruity (apricot, mirabelle) with a beautiful menthol freshness and subtle ashy notes giving a tasty minerality.

Palate
Precise and generous, the palate reveals a lively effervescence. As the tasting progresses, the palate exhales aromas of ginger, tobacco and toasted notes up to a tighter finish and a beautiful persistence.

Note that this exceptional champagne is available in magnum format, in which it will keep longer!