Today we share one of the legendary Champagne houses of the world and truly one of my personal favorite wines, Dom Pérignon. It takes many wine lovers by surprise that Dom Pérignon was a 18th century French Benedictine monk who is credited with inventing Champagne. What many might not know is that the Champagne region was mostly known for still wine until the mid-19th century when most houses began producing 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.
I have heard that the first Dom Pérignon made from the 1921 vintage was simply amazing. I will look forward to trying this insanely good wine someday. Following in the footsteps of Dom Perignon, other producers 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. For me, Dom Pérignon is one of the finest wines of the world, as I am simply mesmerized that they can produce such an incredible product given the large case production. Year after year Dom Pérignon produces one of the finest Champagnes available on the retail market. 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. I recently had the chance to visit the 2010 Dom Pérignon and was blown away with what they accomplished in a challenging vintage. The 2010 vintage had a great deal of rain and also humid conditions during July and August which made things particularly difficult for many growers. Harvest conditions really helped things as warmer temperatures in September helped things come together.
The 2010 Dom Pérignon Champagne (OB, 95) needs a lot of air once opening somewhat akin to the 2008 edition. I love the potential of this wine as it’ll need an hour in the decanter to fulfil its total potential of enjoying now. Here is my review of the gorgeous 2010 Moët & Chandon ‘Dom Pérignon’ Champagne.
2010 Dom Pérignon Champagne- The 2010 Dom Pérignon Champagne is a stunning new wine that is one of the stars of this vintage. It is hard to believe how long this has been released past their 2009 vintage and after trying this wine, the patience definitely paid off. Needing an hour in the decanter to fulfil it’s full potential, the wine slowly unveils scents of almondine, toasty brioche and cantaloupe alongside Meyer lemon zest all take shape on the nose. The palate shows a soft mouthfeel and silky mousse, yet remains very tightly wound. Ripe green apple and kumquat zest tones combine with minerals, sourdough bread and smoky undertones, with a light dusting of salinity. This is fabulous to enjoy now, as the 2010 Dom Perignon Champagne has some really good aging potential as well. Drink 2020-2038-95
