November 5, 2024
Dom Perignon's Mind Blowing P2 2006
”The 2006 Dom Pérignon P2 is magnificent. Rich and soaring in its intensity, the P2 is absolutely stunning. What comes through most is the style of the year more than the style of the P2 series” - Antonio Galloni
Dom Pérignon P2 2006 is a masterpiece that exemplifies the Champagne house's pursuit of perfection. Known as the 'second life of Dom Pérignon,' the Plénitude 2 (P2) undergoes nearly 15 years of slow maturation in the cellars, unlocking unprecedented depth and complexity. This transformation results in a Champagne with remarkable richness and vibrancy, showcasing layers of citrus, toasted brioche, and subtle floral undertones.
The 2006 vintage was marked by a hot, dry season, similar to the legendary 2002, with a warm September that allowed the grapes to reach exceptional maturity. Composed of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, this P2 release captures the essence of the vintage with finesse.
Antonio Galloni's near-perfect 98-point review highlights its allure, describing the 2006 Dom Pérignon P2 as "magnificent" with rich intensity and stunning complexity. This Champagne promises an extraordinary ageing potential, evolving beautifully over the decades. Jancis Robinson scored the wine 19/20 points which for those that follow her scores, is very high for her!
This latest release of one of the most iconic Champagnes is a must for Champagne lovers.
Don Perignon P2 2006
19/20 Points | Jancis Robinson
2006 concluded an exceptional series of five vintages of Dom P in a row. Four of them were marked by heat, which resulted in very ripe grapes at the time of the harvest. This was unprecedented in three centuries of winemaking in Champagne and introduced a new challenge, 'allowing Dom Pérignon to push its creative process even further'. The years 2002 to 2006 have revealed considerable variations in vintages: from the hot years of 2003 and 2005 to what are described as 'the feelings of generosity and light' associated with 2002 and 2006. (I have a tendresse for the 2004 - see 2002 and 2004 de luxe champagnes compared.) More hot than dry, 2006 was almost tropical due to alternating periods of sun and rain. After a late spring, a heatwave in July was followed by a cold, very wet August. The heat came back in September, allowing the grapes to reach full ripeness. Mature bready nose and wonderful tension on the creamy palate. Long and rich. A treat of a wine. Always difficult to suggest a drinking window for these late-release champagnes!
98 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
The 2006 Dom Pérignon P2 is magnificent. Rich and soaring in its intensity, the P2 is absolutely stunning. What comes through most is the style of the year more than the style of the P2 series. Tangerine, apricot, mint, white pepper, passionfruit and spice all race out of the glass. The ripeness of the year is evident, but all the elements are so masterfully balanced. The balance of exoticness and freshness is just mind-blowing.
96 Points | Decanter
The P2 late-release concept does seem to work wonders with riper, heavier vintages, and 2006 is no exception. The sheer fruitiness of orange confit, juicy stone fruit, mango and roasted citrus has quietened a little into an integrated, honeyed and voluptuous whole, marked with ground coffee and baklava decadence of age yet held in check with a bitter citric snap, charry smokiness and a lick of tannic firmness rather than acidity. It’s a joyous, complex and expansive P2 which will give its best over the next five years.
95 Points | Wine Advocate
The 2006 Dom Pérignon P2, crafted from a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay with a modest dosage of 4.5 grams, is presenting exceptionally well at this stage. It unfurls a complex, deep bouquet of smoke, ripe orchard fruits, mango, exotic fruits and spices. Medium to full-bodied, rich and expressive, it’s harmonious and enveloping and has gained structure and tension compared to the initial 2006 Dom Pérignon, while the palate is perfectly balanced with delicate gastronomic bitterness and chalky dry extracts that contribute to its long, mineral-driven finish. It should go well with delicate fare. P2 is the acronym for the Plénitude 2 series, Dom Pérignon’s second life, indicating that bottles are kept by the house to let them age on the lees and to obtain different expressions of the same wine throughout its life, letting time work its magic and thus acquiring additional complexity.