2005 Champagne Dom Pérignon, Brut

A fourth consecutive vintage release might hint at an over-abundance of Moët’s flagship brand but the 2005 fits in neatly with the three previous contrasting years and no doubt those still to come in what is proving to be a stellar decade for fine Vintage Champagnes.  The 2005 has a high proportion of Chardonnay yet a firm core of Pinot Noir provides the wine with backbone that will see it develop and improve for many years.  There’s a lingering, yellow-fruit quality here that has real appeal.  A small vintage, and a challenging one, this deserves consideration and is a credit to Chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy.  
Tom Cave - Cellar Plan Manager

My immediate thought was “very DP” – lemon, yellow stone fruit and red berries, with an amaretti biscuit touch on the finish. At around 62% Chardonnay, this is the most white grape orientated Dom Pérignon for some time but it is the Pinot Noir fruit profile that shows at the moment. Very taut and precise, with a floral touch on palate and lots of citrus. Very drinkable! There is an impressive length to the finish. Kudos to Richard Geoffroy and his team for creating a beauty in this warm and quite difficult vintage. Give this a few years in the cellar to fill out.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager