Dom Perignon 2013 Luminous

The 2013 growing season was two weeks late all through, including picking starting as late as 30 September, and 90% of the crop was harvested in October, even later than in 2004 (1988 and 1996 were also late), even though summer was one of the hottest and driest in July and August. Vine leaves were very pale and falling to the ground. Vincent Chaperon was visited by a consultant from the south of France who was amazed by this. Yields were reduced, which was a surprise because they were expecting a big vintage after the small 2012. Quality was very varied and there was some botrytis. The third period of the growing season was two weeks of rain in September. Vines on clay and sand really suffered; less so on chalk, especially the grands crus. Some people started to pick now but the trick was to wait for the lovely weather at the end of September and beginning of October. It was quite warm for the season and some east wind dried out the vines in some places, so some 2013s from lesser sites are not so good. Chardonnay fared better (riper) than Pinot Noir, so the 2013 Dom Pérignon is skewed towards Chardonnay. Total production was about the same as in 2012: lowish, unlike 2004 or 2018. Disgorged October 2021. To be launched at the end of 2022.
Intense, lightly spicy nose and then on the palate very smooth-textured, gentle and lifted, with light bitterness on the finish – grapefruit peel? Some lightly vegetal notes and very long. Seamless texture and already very agreeable.