Winemaker Description
This rare release takes Dom Pérignon's superb 2002 vintage to the next level. Filled with a new energy and intensity, the champagne has reached its second plénitude – the point at which it evolves into a different expression.
Many consider 2002 the best year for champagne in the last 30. And, after 15 years on its lees, the P2 boasts an even greater longevity. So, while its exotic aromas and subtle salinity are exquisite today, it is also ideal for the cellar.
2002 was a remarkable moment in Champagne’s history. With near-perfect growing conditions, it became widely regarded as the best year in the last three decades, culminating in an extraordinarily concentrated and creamy vintage from Dom Pérignon. Now, the House invites champagne lovers to share an even more spectacular expression of this vintage. Rare and precious, with even greater potential, it is Dom Pérignon 2002.
Expert Review
99 Points Decanter | Here we have drive, vinosity and incredible length. The sweet and savoury balance indulges with a seductive embrace. Gustav Klimt in a glass maybe. Outstanding.
98 points John Gilman | Somehow, I never managed to cross paths with the initial disgorgement of the 2002 Dom Pérignon, so I was delighted to see the coming P2 version waiting in the wings in our tasting lineup in March at the Abbé d’Hautvillers. It would be fascinating to compare the P2 with the first release of the 2002 Dom Pérignon, in much the same way I tasted the two 1996 versions side by side, as this is a great Champagne vintage that dovetails so beautifully with the house style of this bottling. The 2002 P2 delivers a stunning young nose of pear, apple, stony minerality, iodine, dried flowers a touch of nuttiness, menthol and gentle upper register botanicals so emblematic of this cuvée as it starts to first stretch its wings. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and absolutely rock solid at the core, with lovely mousse, laser-like focus again and stunning backend mineral drive on the very, very long, perfectly balanced finish. The 2002 Dom Pérignon P2 looks to be almost unreachable by the passage of time and could easily last a century.
98 Points James Suckling | Intense, rich and dense P2 with butterscotch and toffee character, together with apricot compote, mango crumble and pie crust. This is at its height right now. Tremendous pleasure and generosity.
97 Points Vinous | The 2002 Dom Pérignon P2 is wonderfully open in its aromatics, but a bit less giving on the palate, especially next to the regular release. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper open up first, followed by hints of apricot, honey, chamomile and light tropical notes. Interestingly, the P2 is quite a bit less tropical than the original release. Chef de Caves Vincent Chaperon told me he thinks the original release shows more of a buttery character because of the combination of the ripeness of the vintage and the natural evolution of the wine post-disgorgement under crown seal, as opposed to the P2 which stayed much longer on its lees. It is hard to know if that is an exact explanation, but the reality is that the two 2002s are quite far apart stylistically. (AG) 97+ Inner quote mark (7/2019)
96 Points Wine Spectator | This graceful, bright Champagne features a chime of Meyer lemon peel and mouthwatering acidity, with finely meshed flavors of baked yellow plum, pastry, pickled ginger and smoke-laced mineral that intensify as they expand on the lightly mouthcoating and creamy mousse. Seamlessly knit, this is hard to stop sipping as it dances across the palate.
95 Points Wine Advocate | The 2002 Dom Pérignon P2 is showing very well indeed, wafting from the glass with aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, dried white flowers, orange oil, smoky peach, peat and praline. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad and textural, with a ripe and muscular core of fruit, ripe acids and fine concentration, concluding with a long and elegantly toasty finish. As I wrote earlier this year, this is a ripe and powerful Dom Pérignon that finds its closest stylistic analogy in the 1990 vintage, and it is considerably less evolved than the more tertiary 2000 P2 today. While the P2 is a bit drier and more precise on the finish than the original release, given the wine's slow evolution, the difference between the two is less pronounced than it has been for any vintage since 1996. (WK) Inner quote mark (4/2020)
Jancis Robinson 19.5/20 Points | Now this is Dom P at its most classic! Biscuity nose with butter and biscuit dough but with great freshness and delicacy too. Really lovely. Great poise and – still – lots of tension!
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