Champagne Dom Pérignon - Brut Vintage 2013

Dom Pérignon is the most widely distributed—and therefore the 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 wines undergo a unique aging process, with different stages (known as “plénitudes”) that yield flavor profiles as brilliant as they are distinct. Work is underway in Hautvilliers, the birthplace of the cuvée, to restore the historic Dom Pérignon cellar—a cellar of which Dom Pérignon himself would certainly be proud.

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. Citrusy fruits—apricots, mangoes, and oranges—blend with a zesty lemon syrup and delicate red berries. The palate is highly nuanced and long, with the smoky character characteristic of Dom Pérignon. It is immediately enjoyable, but cellaring will allow its internal complexity to unfold, revealing this wine to be one of the best Dom Pérignons of recent years.

The quintessential prestige champagne, named in honor of the “father of champagne.” In charge of the vineyards and cellars at Hautvillers Abbey, Dom Pérignon—to whom tradition attributes 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 blend remains a secret, and each vintage is a unique creation. All we know is that it is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes 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.

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—after some 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.

A vintage that is approachable from its earliest expressions without being closed off; it fits this profile of freshness, orchard fruit, flint, and toasty reduction. A fresh style that has evolved slowly. On the palate, the wine is slender, with a moderate body in the mid-palate but without austerity. The wine will continue to evolve slowly while maintaining this balance; its lovely acidity and minerality give it a beautiful finish.

It has now been several years since Richard Geoffroy handed the reins of the house over 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 flavor—with its delicate buttery and toasty notes—Dom Pérignon remains an undisputed benchmark.

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 bit less energy. Apricot, mandarin peel, white flowers, jasmine, mint, and light honeyed notes intertwine. The 2013’s wine-like intensity and openness make it a delightful wine to enjoy right now.

Aromas of apple, green mango, perfume, and honeysuckle. Moderately full-bodied, with a creamy, well-integrated texture and a subtle finish. Bitter. Intense. Drink now or save for later.