Champagne Dom Pérignon 2005

Winery Background & History

Dom Pérignon is the prestigious vintage-only cuvée of Moët & Chandon, one of the world’s most renowned Champagne houses. Named after the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, who is often credited with developing the traditional Champagne-making method, Dom Pérignon is only produced in exceptional years. Each vintage reflects the character of that year, aiming for balance, elegance, and longevity.

Producer & Wine Maker

Dom Pérignon is produced by Moët & Chandon, and the Chef de Cave responsible for the 2005 vintage is Vincent Chaperon. Under his leadership, the wine is crafted to express the harmony between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.

Vineyard

The grapes for Dom Pérignon are sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs regions. These areas are known for their chalky soils, which impart minerality and elegance to the wines. The vineyards are carefully selected to ensure only the highest-quality fruit is used in Dom Pérignon.

The Wine

Dom Pérignon 2005 is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, showcasing the house’s dedication to creating a balanced, harmonious wine. It offers rich complexity, creamy texture, and the structure to age gracefully.

Vintage

The 2005 vintage had a warm summer and a cooler final ripening period. This balance resulted in a vintage that produced wines with both power and freshness. The grapes were harvested in ideal conditions, making 2005 a strong vintage with excellent aging potential.

ABV %

The alcohol by volume (ABV) of Dom Pérignon 2005 is 12.5%.

Vinification and Aging Method

The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, using the traditional méthode champenoise. After fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for over seven years, which contributes to its rich, creamy texture and complexity. The wine was disgorged after extended lees aging to develop depth and character.

Grapes Varietals

• Chardonnay

• Pinot Noir

Though the exact proportions are not publicly disclosed, the wine showcases a balance between the freshness of Chardonnay and the structure of Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale gold with a fine and persistent mousse.

• Nose: Aromas of citrus, white peach, and stone fruits, with toasty notes of brioche, hazelnut, and a hint of minerality.

• Palate: Full-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel, featuring flavors of ripe pear, apple, citrus zest, and a subtle vanilla finish. The wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral backbone ensure a long, elegant finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

Dom Pérignon 2005 pairs wonderfully with:

• Oysters and other shellfish

• Lobster

• Foie gras

• Sushi and sashimi

• Poultry in creamy sauces

• White truffle dishes

Service Methods

Serve at a temperature of 10-12°C (50-54°F) in a wide Champagne flute or a white wine glass to allow the wine to fully express its complexity and aromas.

Storage and Ageing Potential

Dom Pérignon 2005 is built for aging. While it can be enjoyed now, it will continue to develop over the next 10-15 years, gaining more complexity and evolving secondary flavors like nuttiness and deeper toasty notes. Store in a cool, dark environment with consistent temperatures to ensure optimal aging.

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 95 points

• James Suckling: 97 points

• Decanter: 96 points

Summary

Dom Pérignon 2005 is a vintage Champagne that captures the essence of the year’s growing conditions, offering a balanced combination of richness, freshness, and aging potential. It is a complex wine with vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors, underpinned by a creamy texture and a long, elegant finish. Perfect for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging, it is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of Dom Pérignon.