1998 Champagne Dom Pérignon, P2, Brut

Since 2014 Dom Pérignon has no longer been using the term oenothèque for its late-release Champagnes, but the word Plenitude. This style represents Dom Pérignon champagne that is left in contact with its lees and does not evolve in a linear fashion, but ages in a series of stages, producing “windows of opportunity, or plenitudes” when the Champagne can be disgorged and released to bring consumers a different expression of the same vintage.

There are three plenitudes in the life of a given vintage: the first plenitude spans between seven to eight years after the vintage, which is when Dom Pérignon Vintage is released, while the second one arrives between 12 and 15 years – which was previously the first oenothèque release, but from now will be branded as P2. The third window comes after around 30 years, when the Champagne has spent more than 20 years on its lees, which will now be termed as P3.

For a 16 year old wine this is very youthful in appearance and certainly belies its age. The nose is very well endowed with sweet yellow fruit and as intense a shortbread and brioche character as I’ve seen in any mature Champagne for years. This concentration continues onto the palate where it is elegant yet rigorous and well proportioned. There is a notable and refreshing salinity immediately on the front of the palate which tapers all the way through to the finish. The finish, as with all Dom Perignon is firm and long. This would make a wonderful match for Scallops & Lardo di Colonnata.
Gary Owen, Private Account Manager

This is a very stylish wine which (as usual) has gained a lot by the deferred disgorgement. This is a velvety, mineral-embossed aristocrat that sounds loud and clear like a symphony by Dvôrak"
Richard Juhlin, Champagneclub.com -  95/100 points

For the second plenitude (P2), we’re looking for the pe