Dom Pérignon P3 1988 is the Plénitude 3 release of a firm, classically built vintage. Gift boxed, it is the same 1988 blend as the original release, but disgorged only after it had spent decades on its lees.
About This Champagne
Richard Juhlin places the 1988 P3 high in his long Dom Pérignon ranking. In the glass it tends to show more grip and less opulence than the 1990, with toast, citrus and a savoury, almost umami depth.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Toasted brioche, preserved lemon, almond and a gentle smoky reduction.
- Palate: Firm and structured, with orchard fruit, roasted nut, chalk and lively acidity.
- Finish: Citrus peel and biscuit, then a long, saline freshness.
Serving & Food
Serve at 10 to 12°C in a wine glass with a wide bowl. It is at its peak now and does not need further cellaring. Good with turbot in beurre blanc, braised abalone or a wedge of mature Beaufort.
How to Enjoy
Classic Champagne drinkers who like structure and restraint, or a 1988 anniversary.
Product Details
Producer: Dom Pérignon
Vintage: 1988
Style: P3 / Plénitude Champagne
Region: Champagne, France
Grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
ABV: 12.5%
Presentation: Gift box
Volume: 750mL
About the Maison
For many years the house sold its late-disgorged wines as Œnothèque, a name taken from its library of older bottles. In the mid-2010s that label was retired and replaced with P2 and P3, which say more clearly which stage of the wine's life you are drinking. The idea behind it came from Richard Geoffroy, cellar master from 1990 until 2018: Dom Pérignon does not improve in a straight line but reaches distinct plateaus, roughly seven or eight years after harvest, again at twelve to twenty years, and a third time after about three decades. One side effect of the change is that disgorgement years no longer appear on the back label.