For me, this is the best Dom Perignon I have ever tasted, better than the 2012, 2002, 1996, 1990, 1985 and even the 1976. I find the wine to have the classic Dom Perignon yeasty nose but found it to be as transparent and pure in the mouth as their ethereal 2004. On the back end, the wine has concentration to spare, and blooming, chalky finish that seems to still be with me two days later as I type this. This wine is made from 95% grand cru fruit, with the balance of 5% coming from the historic 1er cru of Hautvillers, where the monk Dom Perignon worked and lived. As usual, this is very close to 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, although the powers that be do not like to discuss the cepage.

This has a very aromatic, supple nose of bristling minerals, meyer lemon, apricots, acacia honey, and toasted pastry with just a touch of smoke. On the palate, it has classic 2008 intensity and concentration of fruit, with a dense core of white fruits, apricots and lemons, subtle autolytics, and amped up acidity that perfectly balances the richness, making this beautiful complex wine dance effortlessly across the palate. DP has knocked it out of the park with the 2008 vintage.

Yes, this one is ways off (for coming into stock) but, this week, I had the extreme good fortune to taste it. Initially, it has a classic, clean, 2008 mineral driven nose but, the yellow apple fruit peeks through to give us a "heads up" of what's to come. Hints of creme brulee and lemon curd. On the palate, again, the citrus fruit and clean, clear, acidity is at the forefront. After that, the golden apple fruit comes forth (again), this time joined by (subtle) toasted nuts. Long finish with the right amount of acidity and cleanliness. Another classic 2008!