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  • Country ranking ?

    656
  • Producer ranking ?

    60
  • Decanting time

    5min
  • When to drink

    Now
  • Food Pairing

    Enjoy without food

The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.

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In 1993, the American heiress Doris Duke left this world. Besides countless tales of adventure that would make one drop a glass in astonishment, she also left an extensive fortune including a number of international homes. Investigation of a cellar at one of her homes revealed a treasure.

Her billionaire father had ordered 100 bottles of Dom Pérignon 1921, the first vintage year, on their release in the 1930s. 2004 saw the auction at Christie’s in New York of the few remaining bottles from that purchase. According to Dom Pérignon cellar master Richard Geoffroy, the 1921 vintage had a 'distinctive bouquet comprising sandalwood, vanilla and praline'.

 

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The Story

 At the end of the 17th Century, Dom Pierre Pérignon stated his ambition to create ‘the best wine in the world’.  On 29 September 1694, Dom Pierre Pérignon wrote that his mission was to create “the best wine in the world.” He dedicated himself to improving viticulture techniques, perfecting the art blending grapes from different crus, and introduced the gentle and fractional pressing to obtain white wine from black grapes.Ever since, the House of Dom Pérignon has perpetuated this visionary approach instilled by its founder, one that remains a hallmark of true luxury: the constant reinvention of the exceptional.

Under the creative leadership of cellar master Richard Geoffroy, Dom Pérignon is reinvented with every vintage. The miraculous concept of assemblage – the delicate balance between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – and the commitment to Vintage are instrumental in the act of creation, revealing the wine's extra soul. Precise and tactile to the point of seamlessness, tense through rhythm and vibrancy, vigorous and fresh yet mature, intense and complex – such is the sensual style of Dom Pérignon: so inviting, yet so mysterious...

The core of the blend are the eight historical Grands Crus, Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay, Mailly, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize and Le Mesnil, plus the legendary Hautvillers Premier Cru. Dom Perignon also has the unique privilege of being able to select grapes from all 17 Grands Crus in Champagne. giving birth to Dom Perignon's highly intriguing contrast".

AN ACT OF CREATION TO REFLECT THE VISION OF DOM PÉRIGNON
It begins with a vision: Dom Pérignon’s creative ambition strives towards harmony as a source of emotion.
All creative processes have their constraints. Dom Pérignon's constraint is the vintage. Dom Pérignon can only be produced from the harvest of a single year. Dom Pérignon is one and indivisible.

Its Vintages express themselves fully into three dimensions:
The year: the character of the seasons;
The Plénitudes: evolution by successive windows of expression on the way of the long maturation on lees;
The colour: white or rosé.

Can one single glass be created to fully express the champagne across years, Plénitudes and colors? Thus guarantee the best tasting experience: on the eye, on the nose and on the palate. Dom Pérignon chose to take on this challenge with the experience of Richard Geoffroy, passing on its intangible legacy to its successor, Vincent Chaperon, and the savoir-faire of Maximilian Riedel, CEO of Riedel, and 11th generation of the family.

THE CHAMPAGNE DEFINES THE SHAPE OF THE GLASS
The Riedel glass tradition dates back to 1673 in Bohemia, but Claus Riedel, 9th generation, was the first to create purely functional glasses directly inspired by the Bauhaus movement: form follows function. Since the end of the 1950s, the company Riedel has consistently created the best possible glasses to highlight the qualities of complex wines in the nose and mouth. Today, its founding principle is that the wine alone defines the final shape of the glass, and no preconceived design or trend should intervene in its elaboration.

A TRANSCENDENT FORM FOR A HARMONIOUS EXPERIENCE
The “Dom Pérignon” glass came to life in a creative process that unfolded over the course of a year. The new glass emerged through numerous tastings and ultimately took form following critiques and refinements.

Riedel designed the “Dom Pérignon” glass to be in symbiosis with every Vintages of the House, shedding a light on the singularity of Dom Pérignon. Unfailingly true to Dom Pérignon’s vision, the new glass sets the stage for harmony by enhancing:
- Weight: substantial, yet with a certain lightness and ease, powerful but not forceful
- Flow: a tension, a “yin & yang” that enables the wine to express itself without exaggerating any dimension of its complexity
- Texture: continuous, seamless, tactile
- Finish: fruit-driven, encompassing both minerality and salinity

“The Dom Pérignon glass is magic, a success in both functionality and design. It feels very good in your hand and makes you even more excited about the Dom Pérignon in the fine glass.” said Riedel. The new “Dom Pérignon” glass will be used for all Dom Pérignon tastings and experiences, as well at selected partners locations. It is also available for consumer purchase on Clos19 or Riedel website.

Dom Pérignon Glass by Riedel

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Wine Information

This super vintage 1921 in Champagne escorted a new phenomenom to the world of glorious wines. This
was the prestige cuvee called Dom Pérignon. This small vintage yielded only 1,400 bottles of the first Dom Pérignon ever.


THE HARVEST
A very fine, hot summer. Harvesting began on 19 September. The spring frosts destroyed a large part of the crop, but what was left displayed marvellous quality.

TASTING NOTES
Exceptionally pale for its age, the wine showcases an intriguing bouquet of toasted sandalwood, vanilla, honey, praline and marzipan. On the palate, one is struck by the life, the energy and the backbone. It remains focused, with a lacy texture. A key feature is the tremendous persistence of dry nutty flavors. Overall, a model of balance and concentration.

Richard Geoffroy, February 2004


In 1936, the prestigious ocean liner Normandie left Le Havre port for New York.
In its hold, it carried one hundred cases containing twelve bottles each of the 1921 vintage of
Dom Pérignon. These were the first bottles of Dom Pérignon to arrive on American soil - just in time for Christmas and New Year’s Day – they were an immediate success.

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Vintage 1921

The 1921 vintage in Champagne is remembered as an outstanding year that yielded wines of remarkable quality and character. 

The weather conditions in Champagne during the 1921 growing season played a pivotal role in shaping the exceptional character of the vintage. The year began with a cold winter, followed by a spring with ideal conditions for flowering. Summer was warm and dry, with consistent sunshine, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The harvest took place under clear skies, resulting in grapes of extraordinary quality.

Champagne 1921: The 1921 Champagne vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the region's history. These Champagnes are known for their remarkable aging potential and complexity.

Appearance: The 1921 Champagnes typically exhibit a pale golden color with a fine and persistent effervescence, showcasing their freshness and vitality even after many years of aging.

Nose: On the nose, the 1921 Champagnes offer an alluring bouquet with aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, hints of toasted brioche, and a subtle honeyed note. There is a pronounced mineral character that adds depth and complexity to the aromatic profile.

Palate: In the mouth, the 1921 Champagnes are marked by their remarkable depth, finesse, and balance. The bubbles are finely integrated, providing a creamy and luxurious mouthfeel. The acidity remains vibrant, lending a refreshing quality to the wines. Flavors of ripe orchard fruits, honeyed notes, and hints of hazelnut intermingle harmoniously, creating a profound and enduring finish. These wines are exceptionally well-balanced, showcasing the elegance and longevity that Champagne is renowned for.

Overall Impressions: The Champagne 1921 vintage is considered a legendary year in the region's history. These wines have aged gracefully and continue to captivate wine enthusiasts with their complexity and character. They are a testament to the exceptional winemaking prowess of Champagne and offer a unique opportunity to experience a moment in history when Champagne truly sparkled.

 

 

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Tasting note

color

Deep, Gold and Dark

ending

Medium, Lingering and Smooth

flavors

Toasty

nose

Mature, Pure and Opulent

recommend

Yes

taste

Well-structured, Good texture, Mature, Round, Harmonious, Elegant and Silky tannins

Verdict

Outstanding and Well made

Written Notes

Despite the fact that this sought after première issue of Dom Pérignon has been transferred from the normal bottle to this curvy bottle, the wine has survived surprisingly well. The mousse is of course anything but lively, but the creamy tenderness of the ordinary vintage wine is still there even if the nuances are not really as clearly distinguishable and refined in this somewhat too mature form. Very good, but avoid it all the same since ordinary Moët is much better and a third of the price.
  • 94p
Dom Perignon 1921 / This super vintage in Champagne escorted a new phenomenom to the world of glorious wines. This was the prestige cuvee called Dom Pérignon. This small vintage yielded only 1,400 bottles of the first Dom Pérignon ever. The bottle was in fine condition. The appearance of a little hazy golden colour with broad watery rim and no bubbles did not promise much. Luckily the nose erased all doubts. Beautifuly developed restrained nose showed dried fruits, figs, seductive toastiness, biscuity tones and a dose of toffee. Crisp and still lovely fresh light-bodied taste with lovely mousse. Toasty finish with restrained fruit of red apples. Very balanced and delicious aftertaste remain at moderate length.
  • 98p

"Exceptionally pale for its age, the wine showcases an intriguing bouquet of toasted sandalwood, vanilla, honey, praline and marzipan. On the palate, one is struck by the life, the energy and the backbone. It remains focused, with a lacy texture. A key feature is the tremendous persistence of dry nutty flavors. Overall, a model of balance and concentration." Richard Geoffroy, February 2004

Intense golden colour with no apparent bubbles. Clean nose with hints of oxidative and restrained character with dried fruit and apple notes completed with walnut aromas. Crisp and focused light-bodied palate. Extremely balanced structure. Hints of oxidation and apple flavours with nuttiness in moderately long mineral finish. Not the best reserved bottle I have had of this vintage but very appealing still. In case you have a bottle at a cellar open it when ever you feel there is a good reason for that. No use of waiting any longer!
  • 90p
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Information

Origin

Reims, Champagne

Vintage Quality

Excellent

Value For Money

Satisfactory

Investment potential

Average

Fake factory

Serious

Glass time

15 min

Drinking temperature

7

Other wines from this producer

Brut Impérial

Dom Pérignon Oenothèque

Dom Pérignon Oenothèque Rosé

Dom Pérignon P2

Dom Pérignon P2 Rosé

Dom Pérignon P3

Dom Pérignon Résérve de l'Abbaye

Dom Pérignon Rosé

Dom Pérignon Rosé P3

Grand Vintage

Grand Vintage Collection

Grand vintage rosé

MCIII

MCIII 001.14

Moët Ice Impérial

Nectar Imperial

Nectar Imperial Rosé Dry

Rosé Impérial

Saran

Vinothèque

Vintage

Vintage rosé

Inside Information

DOM PÉRIGNON / MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN TIME

In 1936, the prestigious ocean liner Normandie left Le Havre port for New York. In its hold, it carried one hundred cases containing twelve bottles each of the 1921 vintage of Dom Pérignon. These were the first bottles of Dom Pérignon to arrive on American soil - just in time for Christmas and New Year’s Day – they were an immediate success.

In 1951, Marlene Dietrich served Dom Pérignon at an improvised Christmas dinner with two young friends, the writer Francine du Plessis and the poet Jonathan Williams. This dinner, with Dom Pérignon, became an annual affair.

In 1955, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, had his character, the very distinguished 007 Commander of the Royal Navy and officer in Her Majesty’s Secret Service, order a prized bottle of Dom Pérignon vintage 1946.

In 1957, Christian Dior invited Stanley Karnow, journalist, to his hôtel particulier in upscale Passy, located near the Château de la Muette to conduct an interview for Time.The interview took place over a glass (or two) of Dom Pérignon vintage 1949 in the magenta upholstered armchairs and under a stilted Bernard Buffet portrait of the world’s best known fashion designer….Mr. Dior was also an avid gourmet cook who had his own recipes - Dom Pérignon played a starring role in such dishes as salmon in aspic with Dom Pérignon, partridge with Dom Pérignon, sautéed woodcock with Dom Pérignon, and Chicken Dom Pérignon which called for an entire bottle of the wine.

In 1959, Marilyn Monroe met a young Danish screenwriter, Hans Jørgen Lembourn, in New York. They soon took off on a romantic journey to the mountains with “a small stock of Dom Pérignon” – a stock of joy. “

In 1961, Dom Pérignon Vintage 1949 was served at the dinner given at the U.S. Embassy in Paris for Charles de Gaulle and John F. Kennedy during the American’s president’s official visit.

In 1962, Marlene Dietrich published her ABCs. In the book she says “If you manage to get a perfectly chilled Dom Pérignon in a beautiful glass on the terrace of a Parisian restaurant with a view of trees in mid-autumn sunshine, you’ll feel like the most divine person in the world, even if you are used to drinking Champagne.”

In 1971, at an exclusive dinner for international dignitaries in celebration the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great, Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 1959 was served.

In 1981, magnums of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961 was chosen for the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles.

In 2004, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony selected Dom Pérignon to serve at their wedding reception.

In 2004, with the sale of the Doris Duke collection at Christie’s in New York. A lot of three bottles of Dom Pérignon 1921 sold for US $24,675.

In 2006, Dom Pérignon was enjoyed at the wedding reception of Mathew Vaughn and Claudia Schiffer.

In 2006, bottles of Dom Pérignon were served at the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

In 2008, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon chose Dom Pérignon to toast their wedding in the Bahamas.

In 2008, Dom Pérignon was Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s wine of choice for their wedding celebration.

In 2008, two sales held by Acker Merrall & Condit also left their mark on the history of Dom Pérignon, with three magnums of Dom Pérignon OEnothèque (1966, 1973 and 1976) selling for US $93,260 in Hong Kong, and a lot of two bottles of the legendary Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 1959 selling for US $84,700 in New York.

In 2008, Marc Newsom, the Australian designer changed the very conception of a champagne bucket when he designed for Dom Pérignon a high-tech sculpture that impresses by its size (70 centimeters when closed) in his favorite color, acidic green.

In 2009, Dom Pérignon was served in Versailles at a private dinner held in the hall of mirrors to commemorate the exhibition opening of King Louis IV, the Sun King, and the 300 anniversary of the birth of Luxury. A fitting wine for the recreation of the King’s table, as Père Pérignon’s wines from the Abby of Hautvillers was one of the King’s preferred wines during his life.

In 2010, Dom Pérignon releases Dom Pérignon Wedding.

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