Few Champagne labels carry the same prestige and gravitas of Cuvée Dom Pérignon. The luxury cuvee of Moet & Chandon can do no wrong – it simply never fails.  Emphasising its roots in tradition it has an almost singular hold over other Champagne houses’ deluxe cuvees and it is unfailingly delicious on release but continues to age beautifully. Recent years have seen the release of some stunning vintages. The 2008 is considered one of the finest vintages of the modern era, described by Antonio Galloni of Vinous as ‘magnificent’ with ’all the focus, translucence and energy that is such a signature of the year.’ The more recent 2010 release is a much smaller vintage yet features some of the greatest Chardonnay to have ever entered the Dom Perignon blend. It has lead to Richard Juhlin rating the 2010 on a par with the fabled 1996 vintage and Jancis Robinson to remark on its ‘Massive intensity of complex aroma… persistence of finish’ as well as its supreme concentration.

It is well known that Dom Perignon tends to have three separate ‘lives’ or great drinking windows during its long development and this concept has been further enhanced with the ‘Plenitude’ or P2 range curated by Dom Perignon’s Chef de Cave, Vincent Chaperon.  Plentitude 2 or P2, which is aged on its lees for a further 8 to 10 years before release, illustrates the difference between pre- and post-disgorgement ageing of the same blend.  When comparing Dom Perignon and its same vintage of Plenitude, side by side, intriguing differences between ‘ageing and maturation’ are revealed. The Plenitude concept is one in which the initial phase of less distinct yet youthful harmony in Dom Perignon gives way to a demonstration of a particular facet in time. P2 with its intensification on its lees, is one in which a higher energy and minerality allied to its customary poise, of course, show in a spectacular high-wire act. Champagne specialist Anne Krebiehl MW has memorably suggested that Dom Perignon P2 should be available on prescription – quite so! ….If only all Dom Perignon could be available in this idyllic manner.