Tasting Notes:

The 2002 Dom Perignon is at first intensely floral, with perfumed jasmine that dominates the bouquet. With time in the glass the wine gains richness as the flavors turn decidedly riper and almost tropical. Ripe apricots, passion fruit and peaches emerge from this flashy, opulent Dom Perignon. The wine's volume makes it approachable today, but readers in search of more complexity will want to cellar this for at least a few years to allow for some of the baby fat to drop off. Geoffroy describes the vintage as very ripe and adds that some of the Chardonnay showed the ill-effects of the hot growing season in it the somewhat burned, dehydrated fruit that came in that year. This bottle was disgorged in July, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032 96 pts, Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate

Awards and credentials: jancisrobinson.com

"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?" 20/20 pts, Jancis Robinson

Dunell's - Simply sublime. Can not fault it in any way. Beautifully elegant, fresh, rich and mouth-wateringly moreish! Incredible length!

Producer Information:

Produced only in the finest vintages, Dom Perignon is Moet et Chandon's prestige cuvee Champagne. Usually a blend of half-and-half Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (give or take a few per cent here or there), it is rightly regarded as one of the very finest Champagnes, with the ability to age gracefully over many years. The wine is named after Pierre Perignon, the monk at the Abbey of Hautvillers who, legend has it, 'discovered Champagne' in the 17th Century and announced it was like "drinking stars".