2008 Dom Perignon
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Tasting Notes
The first vintage of this prestige cuvée was released in 1921 and last year marked the first time in the history of Dom Pérignon that a vintage was released out of sequence, with the 2009 preceding the 2008. The reason for this was simple: the energy and power of the 2008 needed more time to integrate. The 2008 has been well worth the wait. It has been described by Antonio Galloni of Vinous as "magnificent" with "all the focus, translucence and energy that is such a signature of the year...", whilst James Suckling declares it "The best Dom since 2002...This really delivers". Having tasted it this morning, the team at F+R wholeheartedly agree with the critics' praise. The wine is beautifully structured, incredibly fine yet full of energy. The finish is spectacular, incredibly long and holds with great finesse. In addition to the delay in its release, Dom Pérignon 2008 is remarkable for one other important reason: it is the final vintage to be declared by Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy, after nearly thirty years at the helm. Geoffroy will be succeeded by his protégée, Vincent Chaperon, with whom he has been working closely since 2005.The undisputed heavy-weight superstar of Champagne, Dom Pérignon deserves a place in any collection, and this unique and highly-rated release even more so.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Dom Pérignon is fabulous, but quite remarkably, it was even more open when I tasted it a year ago. Bright, focused and crystalline in its precision, the 2008 is going to need a number of years before it is at its best. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and white pepper give the 2008 its chiseled, bright profile. Several recent bottles have all been magnificent. What I admire most about the 2008 is the way it shows all the focus, translucence and energy that is such a signature of the year, and yet it is also remarkably deep and vertical. In other words, the 2008 is a Champagne that plays in three dimensions.
The finest release of this iconic cuvée since the 1996 vintage, the 2008 Dom Pérignon wafts from the glass with an incipiently complex bouquet of Meyer lemon, green apple, dried white flowers and oyster shell, with only subtle hints of the smoky, autolytic aromas that have been such a prominent signature of recent releases. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and complete, its notable flesh and amplitude controlled by incisive acids, with a youthfully exuberant but elegant mousse and a long, beautifully delineated finish. Considering the sheer size of this cuvée, it's a remarkable achievement and a fitting release with which to conclude Richard Geoffroy's tenure as chef de cave. Given the 2008's intensity and balance, I suspect purists will be anticipating later disgorgements with lower dosage and more time on the lees with particular enthusiasm. Tasted three times, with consistent results.
The best Dom since 2002. A vintage with very restrained, powerful style that has been released non-sequentially after the 2009. This has a lighter stamp of highly curated, autolytic, toasty aromas than many recent releases. Instead, this delivers super fresh and intense aromas of lemons, grapefruit and blood-orange peel. Incredible freshness here. The palate has a very smoothly delivered, berry-pastry thread with light, sweet spices, stone fruit and fine citrus fruit. This really delivers. Drink now or hold.
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About the producer
Dom Pérignon is one of the most highly regarded and well-known Champagnes in the world. The first and original prestige cuvée Champagne, it is today owned by LVMH.