DOM PERIGNON 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 2002 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Dom Pérignon 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 2002 is an exceptional expression from this renowned Champagne house, recognized for its commitment to crafting outstanding vintage cuvées. Highly regarded as one of the finest years for Champagne, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir showcases the classic Dom Pérignon style of elegance and complexity. With a beautiful golden hue, the nose reveals captivating aromas of ripe stone fruits, citrus zest, almonds, and minerality, enriched by toasty brioche and vanilla. On the palate, it presents full-bodied luxury with flavors of ripe fruit and hazelnut balanced by refreshing acidity. Rated 98 points by Vinous and 97 points by both James Suckling and Decanter, this vintage is perfect for celebrations and promises exceptional aging potential.

ABOUT THIS CHAMPAGNE
Dom Pérignon 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 2002 is a remarkable expression of the renowned Champagne house, celebrated for its commitment to crafting exceptional vintage cuvées. The 2002 vintage is particularly noteworthy, as it is regarded as one of the finest years for Champagne in recent history.

This vintage showcases the classic Dom Pérignon style, defined by elegance, complexity, and a harmonious balance between richness and acidity. The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from the prestigious vineyards in the Champagne region, contributes to its distinctive character. In ideal growing conditions, the grapes exhibited perfect ripeness, leading to an expressive and refined wine.

Upon pouring, the 2002 Millesime reveals a beautiful golden hue with fine bubbles that rise gracefully. The nose is a captivating bouquet of aromatics, featuring notes of ripe stone fruits such as peach and apricot, complemented by hints of citrus zest, almonds, and a subtle minerality. These primary aromas are enriched by secondary characteristics developed during its ageing process on the lees, including toasty brioche and vanilla.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and luxurious, with a creamy texture that envelops the senses. Flavours of ripe fruit, hazelnut, and a touch of honey are beautifully interwoven with the refreshing acidity that provides a crisp finish. The complexity and depth of the wine suggest that it will continue to evolve beautifully in the bottle, rewarding those who have the patience to cellar it.

Dom Pérignon recommends enjoying the 2002 Millesime either now or within the next decade, as it will develop further complexity with age. With its exquisite craftsmanship and impeccable balance, Dom Pérignon 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 2002 stands as a testament to the artistry of Champagne making, making it an exceptional choice for celebrations or intimate gatherings. This vintage represents both the heritage and innovation that Dom Pérignon embodies, ensuring its place among the world's finest Champagnes.

VINOUS 98 points
I remember the first time I tasted the 2002 Dom Pérignon with then-Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy at Hautvillers. It was the upcoming release at the time. As was his custom, Geoffroy served the 2002 in a flight that included a number of previous releases. The bouquet was immediately stunning for its audacity. I had never tasted anything like it. Two thousand-two was a year marked by extreme ripeness in the Chardonnays, and that opulence has always been a big part of the wine’s profile. Today, what strikes me most about the 2002 is its timelessness. That youthful opulence remains, yet the 2002 is still vibrant, almost shocking in its freshness. Apricot, ripe peach, tangerine oil, butter and dried flowers all build towards a captivating crescendo of aromas and flavors that saturates the finish. Readers can look forward to another two decades of exceptional drinking. - Antonio Galloni

JAMES SUCKLING 97 points
Extremely intense and energetic with precision and focus. It's medium-bodied, racy and focused in both texture and structure. White pepper and bitter lemons. Drink or hold.

DECANTER 97 points
Tasted by: Simon Field MW
(at 67 Pall Mall, London, 21 Nov 2018)
Part of Dom Pérignon 1990-2009: 'The mother of all DP tastings'
Drinking Window: 2019 - 2050
Going large now, this is methuselah number 40 out of 200, and it certainly looks the part. 2002 ranks alongside 2008 when it comes to the best vintages of the decade, but in this large format it's still closed and a little reserved. 2002 juxtaposes restraint and latent generosity above all - a wonderful enigma in every way. Ironically it was well-timed rainfall at the end of August, and a little thereafter, which sealed the deal with this vintage. Geoffroy describes this as ‘Montrachet with a little added CO2’.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points
"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. Apricots, passion fruit and peaches emerge from this flashy, opulent Dom Perignon. Geoffroy describes the vintage as very ripe and adds that some of the Chardonnay showed the ill-effects of the hot growing season in the somewhat burned, dehydrated fruit that came in that year. This bottle was disgorged in July, 2009." Drink: 2012-2032.

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ABOUT DOM PERIGNON
Dom Pérignon is a prestigious brand of vintage Champagne produced by Moët & Chandon, named after the 17th-century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon. While the monk did not invent Champagne, he is credited with significantly improving the production techniques that laid the foundation for modern sparkling wine. Dom Pérignon has since become synonymous with luxury and quality, representing one of the world’s most esteemed wines.

Each bottle of Dom Pérignon is a vintage Champagne, meaning it is crafted exclusively from grapes harvested during a single year. This unique approach allows each vintage to showcase the characteristics of its specific harvest. The brand primarily uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, which contribute to the complex flavors and refined profile of the wine.

Dom Pérignon is renowned for its elegance and sophistication, often displaying a harmonious balance of fruitiness, minerality, and toasted notes. The Champagne undergoes a traditional secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in its fine bubbles and rich texture. After the harvest, the wine typically undergoes a lengthy aging process, often lasting several years—this maturation period is crucial for developing the wine’s depth, complexity, and character.

Over the decades, Dom Pérignon has produced numerous notable vintages, each offering unique traits reflecting the climate and conditions of the harvest year. The brand is celebrated not only for the quality of its wines but also for its remarkable aging potential, with some vintages becoming more intricate and nuanced over time.

Dom Pérignon is often associated with special occasions and is viewed as a symbol of celebration and luxury. Its iconic black and white label is recognized worldwide, making it a coveted choice for collectors, connoisseurs, and those seeking an exceptional Champagne experience.