In another thread I promised to post notes on these so here you go.
Dom Perignon 2012
This is a markedly racy and nervous Dom Perignon, with less immediate volume than some recent releases but with the characteristic intensity and dark fruit at its core. The dosage (5g/l) feel daringly low, leaving the the wine bone dry and with nowhere to hide - older vintages will have approached twice this level. The aromas are of white blossom and confit lemon with delicate toast and a hint of spice. Darker berry fruit comes to the fore on the palate and the layers of flavour really unfurl with time in the glass. There is a high-tensile, almost stark, acid structure that is startling for the vintage and which sits in counterpoint against the tightly-coiled fruit intensity. A tangy, saline, minerality takes over on the finish and really vibrates with energy through the finish.
97/100
Dom Perignon P2 2003
Fabulous nose that is Dom Perignon amplified - smoke, butter, patisserie and mature notes of truffle and fresh mushrooms. Dosage of 5g/l is the same as for the 2012 but, here, it is buffered by the richness of maturity and lees influence, with honeycomb and the ripe fruit of the vintage. Beyond that, the vintage signature is very understated and the underlying acidity is more than fresh: it’s cleansing and taut. The silky DP mousse has become creamy with the additional age and there’s a pronounced vinous character on the mid-palate. This P2 is less about focus and more about volume and density. Dark fruit dominates on the back of the palate, with a dark-toned spice element on the finish. Slightly reductive, smoky lees characters resonate right through this, from the nose to the lingering scent at the very end - it’s dramatic and impressive.
95/100
Overall, allowing for significant stylistic difference, I found a definite preference for the 2012. Looking back in my notes, it’s a while since I tasted 2008 but I had that a notch above the 2012. I’d suggest the 2008 is a whisper more classic.
From an online tasting launching these to UK trade with the release later this year - September, I think? Very nice to have full bottles of each to finish over the course of this evening.
Cheers,
Matthew