Dom Perignon Brut Chef de Cave Legacy Edition Champagne, France 2008

Dom Pérignon Legacy Edition 2008 marks the historical handover of an extraordinary wine-making legacy. Richard Geoffrey, the legendary Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon for nearly 30 years, is to hand over the creative reigns of the illustrious Dom Pérignon maison to Vincent Chaperon; and to mark the occasion a special signed bottle is available in limited quantities.

Weather： 2008 was dominated by grey, overcast skies – an exception in a decade characterized by bold, generous sunshine. Spring and summer rought the same lack of sunlight and absence of high temperatures. It was September that saved the vintage, belatedly and miraculously. Just when the harvest was getting underway (on September 15), the weather conditions were finally perfect: blue skies and prolonged north-northeasterly winds. Picking was spread out over a long period in order to benefit from this positive turn of events. The grapes were riper than anyone dared hope, and had truly outstanding balance. The vines were in perfect health.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru
Grape Varieties: 50% Pinot Noir | 50% Chardonnay
Ageing: 7 years on the lees
Dosage: 5g/l
Alcohol: 12.5%
Drink: Now to 2040+

Tasting Note: Rich fruit. Nose is quite forward, with that trade mark match-strike smokey character subtly coming through. Smokey bacon, pineapple and guava on the palate with underlying ripe lemons and bright red apples, all wrapped around a texture from long lees ageing. Finishes very fresh and light, dances on the palate with a hint of that saline and twist of bitterness which really help balance the delicacy and finish.