Description
Antonio Galloni: Unfortunately there is only one new release from
Dom Perignon this year. The 2003 is one of the most unusual Dom
Perignons I have ever tasted, going back to 1952. Readers will
remember that 2003 was a torrid vintage across northern Europe,
especially during the critical month of August, when temperatures
remained very hot for well over a month. The harvest was the
earliest on record, until 2011, that is. I suppose its not that
surprising Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy chose to make a 2003 Dom
Perignon, given his penchant for risk-taking, an approach that has
yielded so many memorable wines that stretch the perception of what
big brand Champagne is and can be. The 2003 Dom Perignon is a big,
broad shouldered wine. It does not have the seductiveness of the
2000, nor the power of the 2002. It is instead very much its own
wine. In 2003 Geoffroy elected to use more Pinot Noir than is
typically the case, and that comes through in the wine’s breath and
volume. The 2003 is a big, powerful Champagne that will require
quite a bit of time to shed some of its baby fat. The trademark
textural finesse is there, though. I expect the 2003 to be a highly
divisive Champagne because of its extreme personality, but then
again, many of the world’s legendary wines were made from vintages
considered freakish at the time. The 2003 is an atypically, rich,
powerful, vinous Dom Perignon loaded with fruit, structure and
personality. It is not for the timid, but rather it is a wine for
those who can be patient. No one has a crystal ball, but personally
I will not be surprised if in 20 years’ time the 2003 is considered
an iconic Champagne.
Wine Specs
- Vintage: 2003
- Producer: Dom Perignon
- Region: Champagne, France
- Volume: 750ml
- Case Size: 6/case
Supplier: WineCave (Dropship)
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