Dom Pérignon P3 1971 is the third Plénitude of the 1971 vintage, held on its lees for decades and released only once the cellar team judged it had reached a new peak. Gift boxed, it is a rare chance to taste a Champagne from the early 1970s in good condition.
About This Champagne
The 1971 vintage has always been seen as a powerful, opulent Dom Pérignon. Tasting the late releases side by side in 2017, Antonio Galloni found the P3 dense and vinous, with fruit so concentrated it almost covered the mousse, and felt it had the depth to drink well for another decade or more. Richard Juhlin of Champagne Club places the 1971 P3 near the top of his Dom Pérignon rankings. Expect a wine closer in weight to a mature white Burgundy than to a young Champagne.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Butterscotch, praline and toasted brioche, with orange peel, spice and a smoky, flinty edge.
- Palate: Broad and vinous, with preserved lemon, honey and roasted nuts over a soft, fine mousse.
- Finish: Savoury and persistent, finishing on toast, salted caramel and a lick of chalk.
Serving & Food
Serve at 12 to 13°C in a large white Burgundy glass, and open it half an hour ahead so it can breathe. Drink it soon rather than keeping it. Good matches are roast chicken with morels, lobster in butter sauce or a plate of aged Parmesan.
How to Enjoy
A landmark birthday or anniversary for someone born in 1971, or an evening built around mature Champagne.
Product Details
Producer: Dom Pérignon
Cuvée: P3 / Plénitude 3
Vintage: 1971
Origin: Champagne, France
Grape Variety: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Style: Prestige vintage Champagne
ABV: 12.5%
Volume: 750mL
Presentation: Gift box
About the Maison
The name goes back to Pierre Pérignon, a Benedictine monk who ran the cellars at the Abbey of Hautvillers from the late seventeenth century until his death in 1715. He is credited with better pressing, careful blending of grapes from different sites and stronger bottles, all of which helped turn a wine that tended to referment by accident into something closer to modern Champagne. The abbey still stands above Épernay and is looked after by the house today, and grapes from the Hautvillers vineyards still go into the blend alongside Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the grand cru villages.