Dom Perignon Rosé 2009

The 2009 Dom Pérignon Rosé marks a return to a richer style of Rosé following the more ethereal 2008 Rosé. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, spice and pomegranate all build in a creamy, sensual DP Rosé that hits all the right spots. Over the last few years, Chef de Caves Vincent Chaperon and his team have lowered the still Pinot portion of the Rosé down to about 10% from a high of 28% or so, reached around 2004 and 2005. In 2009, the Rosé gains considerable textural presence from the generosity of the year. It is a superb Champagne. I preferred it to the 2008, which was also part of this tasting.

Dom Pérignon rosé 2009 arrives almost four years after the standard release, accordingly mature, expressive and open. Roughly equal proportions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but with a still red wine addition normally in the region of 15% (no more precise details were available at the time of launch). It's a huge contrast from the 2008, showing the warmth of the year with approachable, fleshy apricot and blood orange flavours, rounded and saturated with ripe fruit at its heart but beautifully detailed with hibiscus, liquorice and dried red berry fragrance. While structured, it is less firm and vinous than the comparably warm 2006; a supple, fluid and sweet kind of ripeness with a gently persistent citric length. While it will develop with interest in the medium term, this is a Dom Pérignon rosé that can be enjoyed close to its release.

In comparison to the charming, pure 2008 Dom Pérignon Rosé, the 2009 Dom Pérignon Rosé possesses a ripe, dense bouquet with aromas of dark berries, licorice, dried white flowers, toast and pastry, enhanced by delicate, racy smoky hints. Full-bodied, broad and rich, it’s dense and phenolic due to the approximately 15% still red wine sourced from grapes planted in the villages of Hautvilliers, Aÿ and Bouzy, culminating in a protracted, sapid and chalky finish. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This blend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay was disgorged in March 2022 with a dosage of five grams per liter.