Dom Pérignon is exclusively a Champagne Millésimé, reinventing itself every year. But Dom Pérignon is also 3 different times of development, 3 different stages of aging that reveal the cuvée's own characteristics without ever denying its personality. First, there is the first fullness, that of energy, which reveals itself after a minimum of seven years of maturation on the lees. These are the Vintage cuvées. The second fullness, called P2, is the time of intensity, after a minimum of twelve years maturation on lees, the wine's aromatic palette is magnified. The third fullness, named P3, comes after at least 20 years of ageing, and is that of complexity and depth.
The blend (Secret) varies for each cuvée depending on the vintage, but remains close to an equal split between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (with a very small majority of Chardonnay). The grapes come from Grands Crus such as Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay, Mailly, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Mesnil sur Oger .. and a Premier Cru, Hautvillers, the famous village where lived Dom Pérignon, a monk from the local abbey, remarkable oenologist for his work at the time.
The first, Vintage cuvées, have existed since the 1921 vintage; 2013 is the 46th vintage released. It's a late vintage; after a cold, wet winter and a cool, well arRosé spring, the vines started growing 2 weeks late, which they kept until the harvest. The hot, Sec summer was beneficial to ripening, and the September rains followed by a Sec wind, ensured healthy grapes right up to picking.
The nose is very delicate, on mint, white flowers, then more dynamic with cardamom, licorice, and finally marked by the freshness of iodine. The palate is unctuous, on the roundness of the mirabelle plum, with its white pepper giving it relief, to finish on a saline and airy note, synonymous with freshness and precision.
This Vintage 2013 is the perfect companion for Belon oysters, osciètre caviar, but also a sublime firm and creamy Chaource.
