Description
Dom Perignon 2008 Vintage Champagne is finally here, aged for at least eight years to create the perfect harmony of flavours and released unusually, after the 2009 vintage. A mixture of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir grapes, this Champagne is light and warm on the nose, with white flowers and peaches aromas. On the palate, there are strong, clear peach flavours and a gentle smokiness that offsets the vintage’s characteristic acidity.
Dom Pérignon was the first prestige cuvée, an idea proposed by Englishman Laurence Venn. The first vintage of Dom Pérignon was in 1921 and was only released for sale in 1936. Dom Pérignon is a vintage champagne, meaning it is only made in the best years, and all grapes used to make the wine were harvested in the same year. By contrast, many champagnes are non-vintage, meaning the champagne is made from grapes harvested in various years.
The opening bouquet is complex and luminous, a mingling of white flowers, citrus, and stone fruit. The freshness of aniseed and crushed mint enhances the overall effect. The final aromas offered by the wine are starting to show spicy, woody, and roasted notes.
After a long period of reluctance, the wine is finally opening up. There is a complete balance between the nose and the palate. Its slender, minimalist, pure, toned, athletic character is now warmly expressed. 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.
