I was as surprised as the next person to learn a month ago that Moêt & Chandon launched another vintage of Dom Pérignon – this time 2006 – after the great 2005 was released on the market last spring. I am a huge fan of the small production, super-structured 2005 DP. I think its extreme character with intense aromas and firm phenolic backbone makes it one of the greatest DPs ever, only matched by the superb 2002 and 1996 in recent years. So I have to admit I was a little underwhelmed by the 2006 DP when I tasted it on Sunday. Sure, it’s an excellent vintage Champagne, 90 points or more, showing the ripe and opulent character of the 2006 vintage, but I was hoping for a little more structure and definition. Apparently, the 2006 was one of the longest harvests ever for DP. The warm and sunny weather in September following a cool and humid August certainly left its mark. I put the DP 2006 between the elegant 2004, and the flamboyant and loose 2003. Check out my tasting note and score below if you are a subscriber.
Moêt & Chandon Champagne Dom Pérignon 2006
