2002 Dom Perignon

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.

Bakery, lemon curd, white chocolate, sweet spice. Perhaps not as expansive and impressive as you might think. There's a long mealy finish with attractive dried fruit and even a bit of herbal character, but it doesn't quite fling wide the curtains. Still plenty of ageability though! (RH)

Tasted blind. Smells almost fishy!.. (Others said saline.) Very tight-knit bead but rather tropical fruit notes. But it’s not as long as some. Flattering. But still very tight. (JR)