The eagerly awaited Dom Perignon 2005 is set to release this year, a wine which has already been awarded 95 points from Antonio Galloni and will sell prolifically world-wide. While the 2004 is truly superb, having scored 97 from Galloni, the 2002 vintage is already promising to be a ‘modern day legend’. Galloni awards Dom Perignon 2002 his highest ever score, with an incredible 98 points, while it has entered the exclusive 20/20 club from Jancis Robinson, who describes it as ‘intense like a Montrachet.’
The 2002 release is only the second vintage of the 21st Century, already thought of by many as potentially the vintage of the century, with near perfect weather conditions. Many column inches have been written extolling the great 2002, which already rivals the majestic 1996 and 1990 vintages and in the case of Dom Perignon, surpasses both. That is heady company and makes Dom Perignon 2002 a wine to stock up on, either to drink now, lay down for years to come or secure for investment. Dom Perignon has a glorious vintage premium, getting more expensive with age. The 2002 in particular has a staggering Price Over Price Ratio, which is half that of other vintages, suggesting it is significantly undervalued. Its closest peers are the 97 point scoring 1996 which already costs £900 a case of six and the 96 scoring 1990 which trades today at £1,050.
The performance of vintage Champagne in recent years has been stellar; with the Liv-ex Champagne Index steadily outperforming the Bordeaux focused 50 and 100 indices. Leading vintages of Dom Perignon make up 28% of the Champagne Index, represented by their high performing vintages, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004. To read our recent Champagne investment report please click here. Another advantage of securing the 2002 now is that it is becoming scarce in the market, with very little remaining at the Estate and the market feverishly consuming this modern day legend. This will create buying pressure on the vintage and drive prices towards the 1998, 1996 and 1990 vintage. When it comes to buying Dom Perignon it pays to do so in the first few years of release, Dom Perignon 2002 could be their greatest ever vintage and a must have for any cellar.
Dom Perignon
‘Come quickly, I am tasting stars’ is the famed expression of a 17th Century monk after his first taste of Champagne. The monk was Dom Perignon, the cellar master of the Benedictine Abbey, Hautvilliers. Diverging from common legend, he pioneered winemaking techniques such as blending grapes, the introduction of cork and enhanced the use of natural sugar. He did not invent the Champagne method, the advent of which occurred naturally due to the cool winters and warm spring months in Champagne.
In 1937 Moet et Chandon purchased the eponymously named Dom Perignon from Eugene Mercier. This has become their prestige vintage Champagne, meaning it is not made in poor vintages and is matured for three years, opposed to non-vintage champagne which has the minimum requirement of one and a half years. Dom Perignon has true global recognition, the 1981 vintage was served at Lady Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding, as well as the 2,500 year celebration of the Persian Empire.
Dom Perignon’s assemblage is based on 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay and offers wonderful vibrancy and complexity as soon as it is released, incredible nuance and delicacy after 15-20 years and elegance and incredible layers after 30.
Dom Perignon 2002, 6×75 – £560 IB or £690.94 incl VAT and duty
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, 98/100 Points
Tasted February 2012 –The 2002 Dom Pérignon awaited. A towering Champagne, the 2002 DP impressed for its statuesque personality. This was a fabulous showing from a Champagne that is well on its way to becoming a modern-day legend.
Tasted, May 2014 – The 2002 Dom Pérignon is just beginning to enter the second stage of its life where the primary flavors are receding, but at the same time the more mature notes have not yet developed. Today, the 2002 stands out for its texture, balance and overall harmony. Hints of apricot, white flowers, honey and spices flesh out on the resonant, creamy finish. Drink 2014 – 2042
Jancis Robinson, 20/20 Points
Extraordinarily firm, confident, intense nose. Definitely the savoury side of Dom. Nothing remotely sweet or fat – though it’s as intense as a Montrachet. Wonderful quality of mousse – surely slightly less bubbly than it has been? More like a Montrachet with a bit of carbon dioxide laced into it than a typical champagne. Broad and long with a hint of orange peel. Great persistence. This already delivers but has such backbone and great acidity and light grip (only noticeable at the very end of the tasting experience) that it surely has a long life ahead of it. Really reaches every hidden cell of the palate. A very assured performance. LVMH at its very best?
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