Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 in Giftbox Champagne AOC
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 in a gift box is one of those bottles where you immediately recognize its special character, from the iconic bottle shape to the luxurious box it comes with. This vintage comes from an extremely warm and dry year, during which cellar master Vincent Chaperon deliberately selected cooler Grand Cru and Premier Cru plots to maintain balance and tension. What makes Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 such a special gift? It's a champagne that's not only rare and prestigious, but also tells the story of a challenging year that, thanks to precision in the vineyard and cellar, has been transformed into pure class.
Vineyards and region
The grapes for Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 come from Champagne, around Épernay, with a mosaic of plots in renowned Grand Cru villages such as Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay, Mailly, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, and Le Mesnil, supplemented by the historic Premier Cru vineyards near Hautvillers Abbey. These vineyards are among the finest in the region and have formed the backbone of Dom Pérignon for decades. The 2015 growing season was marked by a long period of drought and abundant sunshine, with the hottest August in 45 years and an early start to the harvest in early September. This heat resulted in significant variations between plots: some vines were water-stressed, while others remained perfectly balanced, depending on the soil and rainfall. Dom Pérignon had access to a vast array of Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, giving it the freedom to use only those plots where, despite the drought, the grapes still displayed tension, freshness, and precision.
Vinification and maturation
Dom Pérignon is made exclusively as a vintage, meaning only when the house deems a single vintage strong enough to stand alone. In 2015, this meant an extremely strict selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a focus on the best cooler plots. Harvest began in early September, with remarkably ripe and powerful Pinot Noir and more uneven Chardonnay, which only made it into the blend after rigorous selection. The base wines underwent full malolactic fermentation, which, in such a warm year with low malic acid, was especially important for the texture and balance of the final cuvée. After the second fermentation in the bottle, the wine was aged on lees in the cellars for approximately eight years before being disgorged and finished with a low dosage of around 5g per liter. This long aging produces the characteristically smooth mousse, complex layers, and subtle brioche notes, while the relatively modest dosage emphasizes the freshness and light, characteristic bitterness of the 2015.
Grape composition
Pinot Noir – Grands Cru and Premier Cru vineyards
Approximately 51% of the blend consists of Pinot Noir from top villages with Grand Cru and Premier Cru status. In 2015, this grape yielded considerable concentration, power, and structure, with ripe yellow and stone fruit and a distinct, almost tactile grip on the tongue, giving the wine depth and length.
Chardonnay – Grands Cru and Premier Cru vineyards
The remaining 49% is Chardonnay, sourced from cooler, chalky vineyards that retained plenty of freshness despite the dryness. This Chardonnay brings tension, citrusy energy, and chalky mineral notes, forming a refined, almost vertical backbone against which the ripe fruit aromas stand out beautifully.
Tasting notes and serving suggestions
In the glass, Dom Pérignon 2015 has a bright, golden yellow color with fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, you initially recognize roasted cocoa and a hint of toasted breadcrumbs, followed by a floral bouquet of lime blossom, jasmine, and peony, complemented by spices like anise and cardamom. Fresh notes of orange peel, green papaya, and a hint of spice intersperse, keeping the whole light and lively. On the palate, the wine feels broad and level, spreading across the entire palate with a remarkably soft yet precise mousse. Ripe flavors of peach and nectarine are framed by citrus and a subtle gentian bitterness, creating tension and a highly recognizable signature of this vintage. The structure is intense yet refined, with a chalky undertone and a long, salty finish that lingers for minutes. Dom Pérignon 2015 is best served at around 10 to 12°C, with 12°C being considered the ideal serving temperature for a Vintage by the house. This champagne is already beautifully ready to drink, but has enough backbone to continue to develop in the cellar for at least another 15 to 20 years. At the table, it pairs beautifully with refined dishes such as oysters, langoustines, lobster, turbot with beurre blanc, but also with delicate poultry dishes or mature hard cheeses like Comté.
Awards
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2015 – 97 p (James Suckling)
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2015 – 96 p (Wine Spectator)
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2015 – 96 p (Jeb Dunnuck)
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2015 – 95 p (Wine Advocate)
