Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne 2012

Just as Champagne has become an international symbol of celebration and luxury, Dom Pérignon, the prestige cuvée from Moët & Chandon, has become one of the most recognizable labels in Champagne. Dom Pérignon can easily be considered the King of Champagne and is only made in specific vintages, never a blend of vintages. Each vintage is a creation, singular and unique, made up of an approximate 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that expresses both the character of the year, and the character of Dom Pérignon. After at least eight years of integration in the cellars, the wine embodies the perfect balance they seek out at Dom Pérignon to reach a perfect harmony of flavors, texture and brightness. The 2012 Dom Pérignon Vintage celebrates the legacy from Richard Geoffroy, Dom Pérignon’s Chef de Cave, to his successor, Vincent Chaperon. For 28 years, Richard Geoffroy has been the bearer of the Dom Pérignon creative ambition, unwavering commitment to an aesthetic ideal. He has shaped the Dom Pérignon project in his own style and has driven each vintage further through excellence. After guiding Vincent Chaperon on this long path of initiation, knowledge, and mastery, Richard Geoffroy was ready to hand over this intangible heritage: the Dom Pérignon inspiration and creation. Vincent had spent 13 years working alongside Richard Geoffroy, sensing, mastering and creating. He brings to the Dom Pérignon project his sensitivity to viticulture and his commitment to progress. And now it falls to him to pursue the Dom Pérignon ques of excellence. 

The 2012 vintage was dominated by grey, overcast skies – an exception in a decade characterized by bold, generous sunshine. Just when the harvest was getting underway, the weather conditions were finally perfect: blue skies and prolonged north-northeasterly winds. The grapes were riper than anyone dared hope and had outstanding balance. The vines were in perfect health. The opening bouquet of this vintage is complex and luminous, a mingling of white flowers, citrus and stone fruit. The overall effect is enhanced by the freshness of aniseed and crushed mint. The final aromas offered by the wine are starting to show spicy, woody and roasted notes. There is complete balance between the nose and the palate. Its slender, minimalist, pure, toned, athletic character is now also expressed with warmth. The fruit is pronounced and clear. The vintage's characteristic acidity is remarkably well integrated. Its persistence is mainly aromatic, grey, smoky and highly promising. We truly couldn’t love this wine any more than we do!