A little eye-candy to start this Friday...

Dom Perignon Plenitude (P2) from the legendary 1999 and 1998 vintages in Champagne!

“Plénitude 2 is the second life of Dom Pérignon, patiently brought to a new elevation and set on a path to eternity. After close to 15 years of slow transformation in the cellars, Dom Pérignon expands its energy and rises to an apex of essential, radiant vitality, in its state of Plénitude. Elevated to new heights, it unfurls across every dimensions – wider, deeper, longer, more intense - and gifted further with an extended longevity.”

Dom Perignon P2 1998 - $399 net   (9 bottles available)

96 pts Wine Spectator / 96 pts James Suckling / 94 pts Vinous Media

“The 1998 Dom Pérignon P2 is clearly heading into its next plateau of maturity, as evidenced by a host of coffee, roasted almond, butter, brioche, caramel, lemon confit and pastry notes. Even so, there is a good bit of freshness to play off a generally mature set of aromas and flavors. Readers who enjoy mature Champagne will find quite a bit to like in the 1998. Today, it is especially open-knit and giving. Two recent bottles have been terrific.” – VM

"Decadent and rich DP with so much pie crust, white truffle and dried apple and pineapple character. Limestone too. Full body, layered and flavorful. Lovely texture of fine bubbles. Very rich at the end but then turns fresh and vibrant. Contrast now between ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Perfect now." JS

"The year 1998 was marked by two unusual and opposing occurrences: the spectacular burning of the grapes caused by record high temperatures in August followed by exceptional rainfall in September. The First Plénitude of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1998 (released in 2005) was a model of balance. In its Second Plénitude, invigorated by the additional years in the cellars, Dom Pérignon P2 1998 transcends the potential of the vintage. The dark, mineral, iodine, spiced singularity of Dom Pérignon vibrates higher and clearer than ever.

ON THE NOSE: The wine has achieved an intense, full and radiant bouquet, with notes of honeysuckle, orange colored fruits, toasted almonds and hints of iodine sensations.

ON THE PALATE: The creamy chewiness characterizing the vintage is channeled in a direction that is edgy yet embracing, with a wave of aromatic persistence. Its finish – smoky, biting and full of energy – offers balance and harmony.

FOOD PAIRING:  Pairing caviar with Dom Pérignon is evident. The caviar underscores the precision, the depth, and the maturity of P2 1998's additional years of elaboration in the Dom Pérignon cellar. A substance that is both dark and luminous, black, it shines and becomes translucent. The caviar transfigures the energy of Dom Pérignon P2 1998. - winery note

Dom Perignon P2 1999 - $379 net   (8 bottles available)

94 pts Vinous Media

“The 1999 Dom Pérignon P2 is one of the most intriguing Champagnes I have tasted from Dom Pérignon in recent years. In fact, it was not included in a small vertical I tasted at the estate in March, but rather this is a bottle I tasted with friends in London. According to Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy, the 1999 was a very small release and was only shipped to a few countries. What I admire most about the 1999 is its laser-like focus and intensity. In that sense, the 1999 is a bit atypical from other recent P2 releases, as it emphasizes a range of citrus and floral-driven bright notes more than the toasty quality these Champagnes tend to show after extended time on the lees. Regardless, I loved it.” – VM

ON THE PALATE: The opening beams instantly and strikes a joyful major chord. The body is lively, with umami resonating and sculpting the contours of the wine. Surprisingly fruity, the middle palate is characteristic of the vintage. The finish is tactile, with saline toasted notes.

ON THE NOSE: Its complexity brings a sensory chiaroscuro, juxtaposing fruit and ripeness. Warm, mineral, cocoa and smoked peat notes converse with the more delicate character of a dried flower and candied tropical fruit. The overall sensation is enhanced with touches of peppery wood.

THE 1999 HARVEST: The weather was contrasted, often unexpected. The average temperature for the year was high, and the long, dry, summer season was confirmed as being "tropical", punctuated with strong winds and several hailstorms. Rain during picking (on 14 September) had no effect on the healthy and plentiful harvest, which was extraordinary in its strength and body. - winery notes

Supply on both is extremely limited. Please reply to order.