Dom Perignon P2 2008

A wine I’m inclined to call “long-range,” the 2008 Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2—an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of five grams per liter—has fulfilled its considerable promise. Born of a cool, slow-ripening season that endowed the wine with its incisive acid spine and raciness, perfected through the selection of origins that contribute the texture and plenitude only real maturity can impart, it wafts from the glass with aromas of orange, nashi pear, honeysuckle and toasted hazelnut, mingling with brioche and a touch of smoky reduction. On the palate, it is full-bodied, multifaceted and vividly bright, with a layered, concentrated core of fruit, its ripe yet racy acids and pinpoint mousse carrying it to a long, searingly chalky finish.

If the 1996 Plénitude 2 was a success at Dom Pérignon, then the 2008 Plénitude 2 appears to surpass that, ranking among the greatest achievements of Richard Geoffroy, the house’s former cellar master. All in all, it is more energetic and incisive than the 2002 Plénitude 2 was on release, and anyone fortunate enough to secure a bottle will have no difficulty finishing it. 2026-2049

Magical, showing floral perfumes of jasmine, lavender and orange blossoms. The wonderful center palate has medium body and a depth of fruit that goes on for minutes. Dried apples, limes and flowers. Oyster shell and umami. This has developed beautifully with 16 years on the lees. Stunning. Dosage 4.5 g/L. Drink now.

Greenish hue. Very concentrated and evolved, lightly smoky and creates an immediate impression. Dry, serious finish. Extremely tight bead. Very bright fruit. Citrus, even lime. A wine that is tightening up, a bit like a drawstring with tension – like when a bow is drawn back by an arrow. A very grown-up Dom Pérignon. Drink: 2025-2035

The extra seven years of ageing on lees under cork versus the original Dom Pérignon 2008 release has wrapped up all the
year's innate tension and brightness in an unabashedly decadent, enveloping richness of toasted nuts, fresh dough and
gentle oyster cream, although the precision and integrity of the vintage is absolutely present too. There are beautiful
aromas of pure red strawberry and bergamot with some darker mocha notes emerging, both Chardonnay linearity and a
surprisingly fragrant Pinot finding a perfect equilibrium. The palate carries the buzzing acidity of 2008 on a time-softened,
ultra-silky mousse, with new details of umami savour tucked in subtly to the overall impression of glacial freshness.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the reputation of the original release, this is among the most memorable and energetic of The
Plénitude released made since the program of late releases took the name in 2014.