Dom Pérignon
The tour began at the Abbey Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, the very place that changed the course of Champagne history forever. As I walked through the meticulously manicured gardens leading up to the Abbey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of growing anticipation. I had heard tales of the monk himself, who centuries ago had discovered the secret that created the first sparkling Champagne. His name was Dom Pérignon, and he was a man of great vision and passion.
Legend has it that one fateful night, as Dom Pérignon gazed up at the vast expanse of the night sky, a bolt of inspiration struck him like lightning. He exclaimed, "Come quickly, I'm tasting the stars!" It was from that moment on that he dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Champagne-making, forever changing the landscape of the wine industry.
Founded in 650 AD, Abbey Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers was the Benedictine monastery where Dom Pierre Pérignon was not only an active monk, but also the cellar master. His reign as monk and cellar master began in 1668 and ended with his death in 1715. The Abbey is, naturally, the resting place of Dom Pierre Pérignon,
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the vineyard, I found myself standing outside the grand gates of Champagne Dom Pérignon. This was no ordinary vineyard; it was a place steeped in history and tradition. A visit to this hallowed ground was like stepping into an otherworldly realm of elegance and opulence, where time seemed to stand still.
As I entered the building adjacent to the vineyards, I was greeted by the head sommelier dressed in a crisp, black suit. He led me through an art museum filled with limited-edition artist series bottles (unfortunately, none of them were available for purchase) and down the hallway past the Dom Pérignon manifesto wall, which read:
Always a vintage
Always assemblage
A perfect balance of black and white grapes
The best grapes of Champagne
Respecting the terroir and the seasons
Intensity must be based on precision
The truth is revealed on the palate
Complexity is based on slow aging
Dom Pérignon’s mineral character is a unique aromatic signature
Dom Pérignon is deels singular
Finally, we arrived to an intimate, brightly lit room. In the center of the room stood a table covered with an array of sparkling glasses, each one waiting to be filled with a different vintage of Dom Pérignon Champagne. The sommelier motioned me to my seat and introduced himself as Thierry, a Champagne resident from birth.
The Tasting Lineup
2013 Dom Pérignon - a stylish and sophisticated character, exuding scents of chalk, biscuits, apricot stones, lemons, spice, and dried flowers. Its palate showcases a harmonious fusion of ripe melon, mandarin orange, toasted brioche, and candied ginger flavors, reflecting finesse and restraint. The wine's medium to full-bodied texture is rich and seamless, complemented by lively acidity and a chalky foundation. The 2013 vintage is crafted from a blend of 49% Pinot Noir and 51% Chardonnay grapes, with a dosage of 5g/l. Garnering impressive scores of 98 points from James Suckling, 96 points from Wine Spectator, and 95 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, the 2013 Dom Pérignon is a champagne that connoisseurs of champagne production must not miss.
2004 Dom Pérignon P2- a truly remarkable and generous delight. After spending 15 years slowly maturing in the cellars, it reveals delightful hints of pink grapefruit, blood oranges, figs, and a unique minerality that is enhanced by the time it spends on the lees. When tasted, it impresses with its precise and tactile precision, as well as its weightless and sculptural feel. The finish is elegant and lingers on the palate with a touch of licorice. Renowned wine critics have given this champagne high scores, making it a favorite among champagne enthusiasts. If you appreciate the craftsmanship and science behind champagne production, this is a must-try.
2003 Dom Pérignon P2 - a bright golden color and a rich character, with brioche, died pear, and hints of candied apricots. Floral and spicy notes of lemongrass and mint on the palate with layers of ripe fruit and umami undertones. The P2 treatment gives it more finesse and energy with an extended nine-year aging on the lees in the cellar without disgorgement. 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay, with unique notes of iodine and oyster shell, mango, and apricot jam. This champagne is built for the dinner table with a positive aging potential.
2008 Dom Pérignon Rose -displaying a vibrant rosé shade adorned with a copper undertone, this wine exhibits a graceful effervescence in the form of a fine stream of bubbles. Its aromatic profile entices with enduring powdery hints of iris and violet, seamlessly intertwined with fruit aromas, followed by subtle green nuances reminiscent of privet and angelica. On the palate, the wine presents a dry and well-structured character, accompanied by elegant notes of cardamom, strawberry, and dried flowers, rendering it an impeccable choice for any special occasion.
The Blind Pour
Thierry proposed an intriguing blind wine tasting for the final pour. Taking a moment to deliberately engage my senses of sight, smell, and taste, I eagerly awaited the challenge of deducing the wine. Without hesitation, I confidently inscribed "2000 P2 Dom Pérignon Rose" on the notebook he had provided, eagerly awaiting Thierry's revelation of the bottle.
10/10- I recall savoring this remarkable champagne in March during the memorable Dom Pérignon dinner that we had the honor of co-hosting alongside CDV713, alongside the esteemed presence of Daniel Carvajal Perez, Dom Pérignon’s Oenology Heritage Manager, and Rhonda McDonald.
2000 Dom Pérignon Rose P2 - an exquisite champagne that skillfully blends elegance and intricacy. Its stunning salmon hue is adorned with copper and crimson accents, accompanied by a delicate and restrained effervescence. The bouquet presents a delightful medley of aromas, including strawberry, raspberry, cherry, candied fruit, and fresh brioche. On the palate, it reveals a tapestry of flavors, featuring luscious notes of bitter cherry and citrus, intertwined with mineral undertones and creamy textures. Subtle hints of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry further enhance the tasting experience. Dom Perignon employs the méthode champenoise exclusively in the production of their champagne, and their signature rosé blend typically comprises approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
Currently under construction are the new hospitality center and hotel, which will be completed in 2027. I am filled with so much excitement to be able to extend invitations to our esteemed private clients alongside CDV713 for this most extraordinary opening experience. But for now, despite the butterflies of anticipation, I shall wait.
At the core of our philosophy lies the belief that hard work sets the stage for embracing life’s pleasures to the fullest. I eagerly look forward to uncorking an even larger number of Dom Perignon bottles in 2023, surpassing any previous experiences. It’s a testament to our commitment to exceeding expectations and sharing the sheer joy of indulgence. It’s a future that holds both enchantment and the joy of sharing unforgettable moments.