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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Champagne Dom Pérignon Vintagetext
92POINTS
17/20

Champagne Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013

Champagne, FranceThe most classic of the Classics? Dom Pérignon is named after the 17th century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who, by legend, is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey of Hautvillers. This is fake news, as is the notion he was blind. However, he did make the first clear still red wine, the first clear sparkling from red grapes (Blanc de Noir), put thought into the blend and picking times, propelled the use of cork closures and Verre Anglais (strong, coal-fired English glass), and invented the shallow Champagne basket press. So, we do have a lot to thank this monk for. This is the prestige cuvée of Moët et Chandon since 1937. 2013 is quite a late vintage, in October, and with climate change, may be the last time we will say that. This year's blends 49% Pinot Noir with 51% Chardonnay, disgorged in October 2021 with a dosage of 5g/L. This opens tightly, with a puff of smoked stone and subtle tangerine oil gliding into a relatively slim palate (for Dom, mind) of dough, red apple, vanilla wafer, suavely shaped with bright lemon acidity, trailing with a wake of washed salinity. More subtle mineral and less powerful than typical, 2013 (a tricky year) is a low-fi Dom for me, though certainly pleasant enough to drink now.Tasted: 09 November 2023Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:
BC$319.99750mlBCL Stores
AB$320.00750mlselect private retailers
Producer: Dom PerignonDistributors: Charton-Hobbs
Blend: Pinot Noir - ChardonnayCSPC: 280461UPC: 3185370693445