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17/05/2013

Tasting in Champagne - Dom Perignon 2004

by S.E. (Guest Blogger)
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From the moment Gareth emailed to invite me to Dom Perignon for the revealing of their 2004 vintage I was counting down the days with eager anticipation. I knew it would be a special experience but it exceeded all expectations: it was legendary! Myself and a truly international array of guests were welcomed at the home of Dom Perignon, the Abbaye at Hautvillers, by the Chef de Cave himself, Richard Geoffroy, and a glass of the forthcoming release of 2004 was placed in my hand. The '04 flowed all night, only to be interrupted by a couple of glasses of Oenotheque 1970!

At the banquet, all courses had been painstakingly created by the Maison's chefs - and Richard himself - to perfectly compliment the champagne. Just when I thought the evening couldn't get any better, we were ushered outside to watch a truly amazing spectacle: a seven minute light show, created by Leo Kuelbs, projected onto the walls of the Abbaye. It was a sensory explosion to match that of the champagne.

The following day we were treated to a tour of the cellars at Moet followed by a sit-down with Richard Geoffroy, again tasting the '04 and having the privilege of listening to the great man's musings on the vintage, previous vintages and his philosophies on creating champagnes, on other winemakers, life, the universe and everything! I could feel I was in the presence of greatness.

“Very pale appearance. Fresh citrus notes underlined with toasty almond aromas. Fine persistent and decadent mousse gives this a real feel of elegance and aristocracy. Beautiful fresh acidity and minerality makes this almost weightless, yet a real depth and concentration underpins this phenomenal Champagne. Incredibly long. A truly classic Dom Perignon which mirrors the vintage… the trademark of DP.”
96+ Points – BI (Tom Chadwick)

What a man, what a trip and what a fantastic vintage the 2004 really is. A big thank you to my hosts, BI and LVMH.

[Purchase your own Dom Perignon 2004 now]