We have a very fun journey into France today on the blog. Few Champagne lovers of the world know that Dom Pérignon was a 18th century French Benedictine monk who is credited with inventing Champagne. Interestingly, the Champagne region was mostly known for still wine until the mid-19th century when most houses started making Sparkling wine. Launched in 1936 by leading champagne house Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon was the first cuvée de prestige created for consumers. While most of the world including France in the midst of the Great Depression, this was a strange time to start a prestigious brand of a Champagne. But as both Napoleon and Winston Churchill have previously noted, Champagne is not only for good times but it is used to console as well.
The first Dom Pérignon was the excellent 1921 vintage and it was met with a resounding success. Soon other estates began producing their cuvée de prestige, including Roederer, starting their ‘Cristal’ line in 1945 which was followed by Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne in 1952 and Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle in 1959. Dom Pérignon remains for many the epitome of great champagne. Dom Pérignon is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes that are are grown in vineyards that received grand cru status. Each of these special occasion Champagnes showcase their vintage. The 2004 Dom Perignon had an incredible mixture of intensity and richness, while the 2005 Dom Perignon took on a slightly more delicate flavor profile. Learn more about Dom Perignon Champagne at http://www.domperignon.com/ Here are the last three releases of Moët e' Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon.'
2004 Moët e' Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’ - This exquisite bottling is a blend of 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay. The wine has a silky mousse and opens with aromas of Bartlett pear, brioche and hazelnut. It is silky and effervescent throughout, as sampling this wine is an ethereal experience. The texture and mouthfeel, combined with the structure and fruit of this wine is up there with the best of its kind. Deep flavors of lemon zest, kumquat, starfruit and red delicious apple come to mind. A magnificent bottling that will last for several more decades. Drink 2015-2030- 96
2005 Moët e' Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’- This incredible vintage Champagne opens with aromas of brioche toast, fresh starfruit, mandarin orange blossom and shitake mushroom. This wine has flavors of gala apple, cut grass, dried apricot and Meyer lemon zest. The bubbles are delicate and glide along the tongue throughout this ethereal textural experience. There is a nice rich and layered approach to the wine, which finishes with vanilla cream. Drink 2016-2030- 95
2006 Moët e' Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’ - These guys continue to produce some of the best champagne in the world. This new bottling is no exception. This wine begins with aromas of brioche, porcini mushroom, gala apple and banana. This leads to flavors of red delicious apple, toasted macadamia nut, Meyer lemon rind, and Japanese pear. This is absolutely ethereal as the mousse is silky and incredibly textured. An absolutely stunning champagne. Drink 2016-2030- 96