Champagne Dom Pérignon - Brut Vintage 2013

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Dom Pérignon is the most widely distributed and therefore best-known prestige Champagne in the world. The emotions it evokes stem first and foremost from the extraordinary quality of the hundreds of hectares of Grand Cru vineyards that form the inimitable core of its blends. The meticulous expertise of the house and its cellar master, Vincent Chaperon, achieves an ideal balance between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Both the white and rosé undergo a unique aging process, with distinct phases (known as “plénitudes”) that yield flavor profiles as brilliant as they are varied. Work is underway in Hautvilliers, the birthplace of the cuvée, to restore the historic Dom Pérignon cellar—a space that would surely do justice to today’s wines.

Decanter

About the wine:

Silky, finely structured, and serene, the 2013 Dom Pérignon is less hedonistic than the 2012 (and less intensely energetic than the 2008), but it already displays a beautiful balance between tension and expressiveness. Orange-hued fruits—apricots, mangoes, and oranges—blend with a zesty lemon syrup and delicate red berries. The palate is highly detailed and long, with the characteristic smoky character of Dom Pérignon. The pleasure is immediate, but cellaring will allow its internal complexity to unfold, revealing this wine to be one of the finest Dom Pérignons of recent years.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

The quintessential prestige champagne, named in honor of the “father of champagne.” As the steward of the vineyards and cellars at Hautvillers Abbey, Dom Pérignon—to whom tradition credits the invention of the Champagne method—demonstrated the mastery of the art of blending that defines the great cuvées. After 28 years with the house and fifteen vintages, his distant successor, Richard Geoffroy of Vertus, handed the reins in 2019 to Vincent Chaperon, who had been working alongside him for thirteen years. Dom Pérignon is always a vintage wine. Its composition remains a secret, and each vintage is a creation in its own right. All we know is that it uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the grands crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, as well as from Hautvillers (1er cru), in memory of Dom Pérignon.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Disgorged in October 2022, the Dom Pérignon 2013 is a charming and elegant vintage for this cuvée. It reveals complex aromas of buttered pastry, spices, citrus oil, almonds, honey, and, upon aeration, a hint of smoke. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, perfectly balanced, with a refined and tight profile. The long, cool growing season has imparted freshness and a delicate earthy note on the finish.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

A vintage that reveals itself from the very first sip without being closed off, it embodies a fresh profile marked by orchard fruit, flint, and toasty notes. A fresh style that has evolved slowly. On the palate, the wine is slender, with a moderate body in the mid-palate that is never austere. The wine will continue to evolve slowly while maintaining this balance; its lovely acidity and minerality give it a beautiful finish.

About the estate:

It has now been several years since Richard Geoffroy handed over the reins of the house to Vincent Chaperon, who is now responsible for keeping the legend alive. With its unique style, impressive consistency, and production volumes that enable widespread global distribution, “Dom Pé” is more than just a champagne brand: it is an emblem of French luxury and a powerful driving force for the entire region. Whether or not you’re a fan of its unmistakable taste, with its delicate buttery and toasty notes, Dom Pérignon remains an essential benchmark.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2013 Dom Pérignon is quite delicate and understated. It reminds me of the 2004, but with a bit more richness on the mid-palate and a touch less vibrancy. Apricot, mandarin peel, white flowers, jasmine, mint, and subtle honeyed notes intertwine. The wine’s intensity and openness make the 2013 a delightful wine to enjoy today.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of apple, green mango, perfume, and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, with a creamy, well-integrated texture and a subtle finish. Bitter. Intense. Drink now or age.