Dom Perignon 2002

2002 is an excellent vintage in Champagne, particularly concentrated as the sun and drought caused the grapes to shrivel. The Dom Perignon 2002 smells of coffee, ginger, lemon peel and has a silky texture with a fine but lively perlage, which permeates a wonderfully nuanced fruit that fades into toasty roasted notes. A perfect Dom Perignon that easily rivals the Krug 2002, which is almost twice as expensive.

98 Antonio Galloni VinousThe 2002 Dom Pérignon is unforgettable. Rich, sumptuous and flamboyant to the core, the 2002 captures all of the radiance of a year in which ripeness in the Chardonnays was pushed to the edge. The 2002 is oily and viscous on the palate, with tremendous textural resonance in all of its dimensions. Tropical fruit, pastry and exotic floral notes all build as the 2002 opens up with air. I can still remember the first time I tasted the 2002, here in the Hautvillers cloister, with former Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy. It was thrilling back then, and is every bit as memorable today.