Dom Perignon Vintage 2012

The 2012 Dom Pérignon is a gorgeous, totally seductive Champagne that will drink well right out of the gate. Medium in body and unusually open-knit at this stage, the 2012 is one of the most accessible young Dom Pérignons I can remember tasting. It is an excellent choice to drink while waiting for the release of the stellar 2011 and some recent vintages that remain very young, including the 2006. Despite the warm, ripe personality of the 2012 Dom Pérignon is quite gracious, but there is plenty of depth underpinning the fruit. With each successive tasting, the 2012 seems to have gained more power and breadth, especially on the finish. Above all else, the 2012 is decidedly restrained for a warm, radiant vintage. It is not as overtly flamboyant as the 2002 nor as phenolically intense as years like 2006 and 2009. Instead, the 2012 is a beautifully balanced Champagne, with all of its elements in the right place. (AG) 94+ (7/2017)