Personal advice
Disgorged September 2020 · 51% Pinot Noir / 49% Chardonnay · 5 g/l Dosage · Ideal for immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring
Dom Pérignon 2012 is a vintage that is irresistibly delicious today – fruity, creamy, with lively minerality and pronounced toasty notes. Anyone who wants to buy Dom Pérignon 2012 receives a Champagne that requires no patience and at the same time has the potential to develop further.
Short answer: The 2012 combines opulent fruit with lively minerality and racy acidity – and is already very enjoyable to drink today.
The 2012 vintage in Champagne had a difficult start: spring frosts significantly reduced yields – which had a direct positive effect on the concentration and substance of the wines. A mixed summer was saved by perfect weather in the second half of August and in September. The grapes showed healthy ripeness, very good acidity levels and seductive fruit.
What makes Dom Pérignon 2012 special are the perfect Pinot Noirs from Aÿ, Verzenay and Bouzy: they give the vintage structure, depth and its characteristic mineral energy. Unlike the more structured 2008, the 2012 has opened surprisingly quickly – it is today a Champagne that delivers great pleasure without the need to wait for further ageing.
Lemon, green apple and peach define the fruit aroma, complemented by pronounced toasty notes of toast bread, freshly ground coffee and almonds. The reductive ageing shows in fine smoky popcorn notes that add depth to the bouquet.
The opulent, creamy texture is seductive – held in tension by a racy acidity. Even after the first mousse subsides, a lively, tingling minerality with chalky notes remains on the palate. The second half of the palate reveals the elegance and freshness that distinguish great Dom Pérignon vintages.
Dom Pérignon 2012 is ideal to drink today and is at the peak of its approachable phase. The drinking window extends to 2035 and beyond – those seeking further complexity can wait a few more years. However, those looking for a Dom Pérignon to cellar for decades will be better served with the 2008.
The 2012 is the ideal choice for Champagne lovers who appreciate freshness, fruit and creamy opulence – and who are not planning long cellaring. It is excellent as a gift, for special occasions and for anyone who wants to experience Dom Pérignon at its current peak. Those seeking a DP for many decades should choose the 2008. Those who today prefer more subtle, mature aromas will find a better choice in 2004 and 2002.
Dom Pérignon 2012 is based on 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay from exclusively Grand Cru vineyards. The Pinot Noir grapes come from Aÿ, Verzenay, Bouzy and Mailly; the Chardonnay from Chouilly, Cuis, Oger and Avize. The grapes are harvested by hand and only the must from the first pressing is used. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and malolactic fermentation was consistently carried out. After assemblage from hundreds of base wines, the 2012 matured for eight to nine years on the lees – disgorged in September 2020.
When was Dom Pérignon 2012 disgorged?
Dom Pérignon 2012 was disgorged in September 2020, after eight to nine years on the lees.
Is Dom Pérignon 2012 ready to drink now?
Yes – the 2012 is currently at the peak of its enjoyment. It has developed surprisingly quickly and is now irresistibly fruity and creamy. The drinking window extends to 2035 and beyond.
What is the difference between Dom Pérignon 2012 and 2008?
The 2012 is more approachable, fruitier and creamier – ideal for immediate enjoyment. The 2008 is more structured, mineral and longer-lived, with a drinking window until 2050+. Those who want to cellar for decades should choose the 2008; those seeking maximum pleasure today should choose the 2012.
Which grape varieties does Dom Pérignon 2012 contain?
Dom Pérignon 2012 consists of 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay, exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in Champagne.
Why is the 2012 vintage special?
Spring frosts reduced yields and increased concentration. Perfect weather in late summer enabled healthy, ripe grapes with good acidity levels. The Pinot Noirs from Aÿ, Verzenay and Bouzy particularly distinguish this vintage.
→ Dom Pérignon at Alfavin – all vintages, production & history
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin Cellar