The recent launch of Dom Pérignon held in Barcelona showcased two remarkable releases: the 2015 Vintage and the 2006 Plénitude 2 (P2). The event was an orchestration of luxury and artistry, with Vincent Chaperon, the chef de cave, guiding the proceedings reminiscent of a masterful showman.
This year’s theme, Révélations, revealed the 2015 Vintage amid a theatrical tasting experience combined with an art exhibition and an extravagant dinner. Guests left with a high-quality book titled Trace, which represents the artistry behind what is effectively a non-existent wine, as there will be no 2023 Dom Pérignon due to insufficient fruit quality. The event emphasized storytelling within the context of luxury branding, highlighting the absence of a new vintage as a significant narrative.
Chaperon spoke eloquently about the complexities of the vintages, describing 2015 as a year influenced by a mix of conditions that included a particularly warm summer. The grapes were harvested under strict selection, resulting in only 70% of the average crop being utilized. He highlighted the phenolic qualities of this year’s harvest, offering a "new dynamic of freshness" to the wine.
The tasting took place in a converted factory designed to evoke a cathedral’s ambiance, providing an atmospheric backdrop for savoring the 2015 Vintage. Attendees donned headphones during the tasting, enveloped by the soothing strains of Satie’s Gymnopédie No.1, while they raised their glasses to the skies, experiencing the event more as a ritual than a mere tasting.
The 2015 Dom Pérignon is composed of 51% Pinot Noir and 49% Chardonnay, presenting a vibrant, classic nose with characteristics ranging from gunflint to chamomile. It promises a fresh finish that belies the warmer conditions of the year. Meanwhile, the 2006 P2, a wine developed over a 15-year period, boasts a “voluptuous” nature with its own unique nuances.
Chaperon maintained that while he favors being in the vineyard, the specifics of sourcing grapes warrant discussion. Dom Pérignon’s commitment to blending from various sites remains steadfast, eschewing the single-vineyard approach, thus ensuring a blend that exemplifies the essence of the Champagne house’s style.
The event ultimately served as a celebration of both the artistry of winemaking and the story behind each vintage, blending the worlds of luxury branding, artistic expression, and the intricate craft of Champagne production.