A CHAMPAGNE MIRACLE

2008 was dominated by grey, overcast skies – an exception in a decade characterized by bold, generous sunshine. Just when the harvest was getting underway, the weather conditions were finally perfect: blue skies and prolonged north-northeasterly winds. The grapes were riper than anyone dared hope, and had truly outstanding balance. The vines were in perfect health.

To the bracing acidity, concision and aromatic purity expected of the 2008 vintage, Dom Pérignon adds depth, density and complexity. The light is warmer and less harsh.

Introduction:

The story of Dom Pérignon is a story of constant reinvention and each Vintage is a new beginning.

Dom Pérignon vintages set their own release dates, and Vintage 2008 required more patience than Dom Pérignon Vintage 2009, which was presented earlier -an unprecedented event in Dom Pérignon’shistory.

Here, once again, is evidence of the disconcerting symmetry between the late revelation of the fruit and that of the wine, as with Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006. There was a long wait for a reciprocity between the vintage and Dom Pérignon, with each nurturing the other.

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2008 is at last in its First Plenitude, the foundation of its future Plenitudes, each one just as eagerly awaited.
Richard Geoffroy said “Dom Pérignon liberates the 2008 vintage, freeing it from an over-literal interpretation of the canons of Champagne.”
The opening bouquet is complex and luminous, a mingling of white flowers, citrus and stone fruit. The overall effect is enhanced by the freshness of aniseed and crushed mint.
The final aromas offered by the wine are starting to show spicy, woody and roasted notes.

After a long period of reluctance, this wine is finally opening up. There is complete balance between the nose and palate. Its slender, minimalist, pure, toned, athletic character now also expresses itself with warmth. The fruit is pronounced and clear. The vintage’s characteristic acidity is incredibly well-integrated in this wine. Its persistence is mainly aromatic, grey, smoky and highly promising.

Weather:

Dull, grey skies were common during 2008, despite it being a year in a decade with plentiful and impressive amounts of sunshine.
Spring and summer brought the same lack of sunlight and the same longing for high temperatures. Fortunately, September saved the vintage, late in the day and with miraculous success.

Just when the harvest was getting underway (15 September), weather conditions finally achieved perfection: blue skies and prolonged north-north-easterly winds. Picking was spread out over a long period in order to benefit from this positive turn of events.

The grapes were riper than anyone dared hope, and had truly outstanding balance. The vines were in perfect health.