Dom Pérignon 1985 survived a brutal winter to become a small, concentrated vintage. It is now fully mature, with honey, dried fruit and a full, vinous feel.
About This Champagne
January 1985 brought temperatures of minus 25°C, and around a tenth of Champagne's vineyards froze. Spring frosts did more damage, and many growers expected little. September was fine and warm, and picking began on 30 September in ideal conditions. Yields were tiny but the grapes were concentrated. The house's own note, from the era of cellar master Dominique Foulon, describes an intensely floral attack giving way to acacia honey and lightly preserved fruit, then figs, raisins and undergrowth.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Floral at first, then acacia honey, apple, pear, buttered toast, orange oil and a touch of smoke.
- Palate: Ample and vinous, medium to full-bodied, with figs, raisins and preserved fruit on ripe but racy acidity and a refined mousse.
- Finish: Tarte tatin and undergrowth, lingering well.
Serving & Food
Take it to 10 to 12°C and pour into a white wine glass. It is in its prime now. Serve with roast duck with orange, black truffle pasta, or Cantonese roast goose.
How to Enjoy
Open it for a 40th anniversary or a 1985 birthday, when a mature, full-flavoured Champagne can carry the meal.
Product Details
Producer: Dom Pérignon (Moët & Chandon)
Vintage: 1985
Region: Champagne, France
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Harvest: From 30 September 1985
Style: Vintage Brut Champagne
Volume: 750mL
Presentation: Gift box
About the Maison
Only a few Dom Pérignon vintages have been held back for a third release, the P3, after 30 years or more in the cellar. Among them are 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1993. This bottle is the original release. Dom Pérignon Rosé has its own history: the first rosé vintage was 1959, and 1985 was also declared as a rosé.