Dom Perignon 2012

• It's already drinking beautifully
• The last great year for Dom Perignon

2012 is a great success for Dom Pérignon

Dom Pérignon 2012 is irresistibly delicious now. It has a racy acidity that will support it in its further development. Above all, it has an incredibly intense, mineral energy. This is masked by the usual opulent fruit, which is slightly less exotic but characterised by lemon, green apple and peach. Added to this are the pronounced toasted notes of toast, freshly ground coffee and almonds. Despite its usual seductive character, a tingling, lively minerality and chalky notes remain on the palate even after the first intense mousse has subsided. Like the 2008, the 2012 is unusually fine and balanced for a young Dom Perignon. While champagne lovers usually wait until the young, seductive but not really complex flavours of the lees ageing subside and the quality of the base wines comes to the fore with more minerality and freshness, the 2012 already has this extra dimension of elegance and freshness. The blend is balanced with 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay. However, it is the perfect Pinot Noirs from Ay, Verzenay and Bouzy that characterise the 2012 vintage.

The 2012 vintage in Champagne

Yields are low due to the spring frosts. This had a positive effect on the concentration and substance of the Champagnes. The summer was mixed and not hot. Perfect weather in the second half of August and in September ensured healthy, ripe vines. 2012 champagnes have a very seductive fruitiness. The acidity levels are also very good. The year is quickly advertised as a great one. And today? Unlike the 2008 vintage, 2012 has developed surprisingly quickly. Few wines have the structure to develop for as long as Dom Perignon 2012. Nevertheless, it is a year that will be a pleasure to drink over the next few years.

97 points, Antonio Galloni vinous.com Once again, the 2012 Dom Pérignon is stellar. It's a potent, tightly-wound Champagne. That should serve it well in the future, but today, the 2012 is not terribly expressive. Time in the glass brings out striking aromatic top notes and plenty of energy to match. Low yields, down 30-40%, produced a wild, dynamic Champagne endowed with tremendous character. It's an exceptional Champagne from a year marked by frost, hail, mildew, oidium and botrytis. Pretty much everything, in other words.

750 mL

12.5

Champagne

Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

Sulphites

• Brut

France