Dom Perignon Vintage 2018

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2018 marks Vincent Chaperon’s first vintage creation as Cellar Master. Produced from 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, the vintage reflects an unusually warm and generous growing season that brought both varieties to exceptional levels of ripeness. The 2018 season was defined by abundant sunshine and summer temperatures that exceeded the records set in 2003. Harvest began on 17 August, making it only the fifth August harvest in Dom Pérignon’s history. Chardonnay was allowed to reach greater maturity, while greater restraint was applied to Pinot Noir to maintain balance. This approach produced a Champagne combining the richness of the vintage with the tension and precision associated with Dom Pérignon. Vintage 2018 is described as radiant and glowing, with a particularly unusual apricot character alongside orchard and tropical fruits. Its broader, denser texture is balanced by freshness and tension, with bitterness and sweetness providing contrast through the palate. The vintage has received 98 points from Antonio Galloni, 99 points from James Suckling and 18+ from Jancis Robinson. Tasting Notes by Dom Pérignon: Vintage 2018 is radiant and glowing. It opens with an extremely rare apricot imprint, followed by orchard fruits and tropical notes of yellow kiwi and mango, layered with ivy and balsamic nuances. On the palate, it is ample and dense, with an unctuous, sapid texture and a lively tension where bitters and sweetness interact beautifully.