2005 Dom Pérignon

The 2005 Dom Pérignon is starting to enter its first plateau of maturity, where the aromas and flavors show the early signs of the development that takes place over time in bottle. Apricot, candied orange peel, dried flowers, mint and pineapple are nicely delineated in the glass. Soft and silky on the palate, the 2005 is quite welcoming and inviting.

Magnum. Very tricky year. Super-concentration. Then rain and rot. They had to go fast and sort scrupulously. Very small volume of Dom Pérignon was made: only a quarter of the volume of 2004. The smallest ever apart from 2002 rosé, made because of market demand. It was very unusual to declare a prestige cuvée 2005 so Richard Geoffroy is protective about this. Strong citrus character – mandarin peel perhaps – and a little chewy on the finish. But good to drink now. (JR)

The 2005 Dom Pérignon is just starting to enter its first plateau of maturity, as the aromas and flavors now show the complexity and nuance of a wine that has been in bottle for a number of years. Dried apricot, smoke, dried flowers, orange peel, almond and chamomile give the 2005 its signature flavor profile. More mature hazelnut and coffee notes aren’t too far away. Today, it is the wine’s density that is most surprising, but that should allow the wine to age gracefully for many years to come.