2003 Dom Perignon P2 Plenitude 2

Flamboyant and open with generosity and brightness. Chewy and beautiful. Full-bodied. It envelopes the fruit. Rich and fruity. Closes down. Drink now.

The 2003 Champagne Plentitudes 2 offers great depth and richness, which speaks to the warmth of the vintage and the long élevage of the Plentitudes program. The wine’s pretty, layered, floral notes are ripe with custard, sunny baked apple, apricot brûlée, and toasted brioche. The palate is ripe but also has substantial freshness, with notes of toffee, pineapple, and spice. It has a delicate note of phenolic bitterness on the finish, but it is not unpleasant. It is approachable now or can be enjoyed over the coming 15-20 years.

The 2003 Dom Pérignon P2 takes all the natural intensity of the first release and turns the dial up to eleven. Power, generosity and volume are all exalted. The P2 balances richness with a greater sense of creaminess that comes through extended time on the cork. Readers should expect a ample, heady Champagne that is very much built for the dinner table. I can't say I am especially surprised by how well the P2 shows, even in this freakishly hot, dry year, as the first release continues to be terrific. (Originally published in May 2021)