Last week we were honored to host the lead winemaker of Dom Perignon, Vincent Chaperon, for our annual Dom Perigon Dinner and what a nigh! This is one of our most highly anticipated events that turn into the most memorable wine experiences to be had here at Graileys. This year, Dom Perignon and Graileys really blew it up for our members with a spectacular lineup of Dom Perignon and a stunning menu paired by Chef Darren McGrady of Eating Royally- the personal chef of fifteen years to Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales and Princes’ William and Harry and has also cooked for five US Presidents. The wines were extravagant and the food was impressive but the company was what made the night as fabulous as it was.
Lineup of Graileys’ Annual Dom Perignon Dinner 2016
2006 Dom Perignon
2004 Dom Perignon Rose
1993 Dom Perignon Rose P2
1998 Dom Perignon P2
1983 Dom Perignon P3
1988 Dom Perignon Rose P3
2006 Dom Perignon- As our members arrived, we poured an endless amount of Dom Perignon 2006 for our guests. This vintage is simply delicious. Explosive straight out of the bottle with rich flavors and creamy texture. It has a bright start with a wonderfully expansive palate fully loaded with dense flavors and complimentary notes of flint and smoke. Light hints of lemon, almond and white flowers kept the Champagne lifted while brisk minerals of river rocks and crushed shells added addictive complexities to the bubbles.
2004 Dom Perignon Rose- More structured and more reserved with beautiful minerality driving the wine followed by tart strawberries, crushed raspberry and stunning spice. This is a rose Champagne to hold onto for decades if you have the patience.
1993 Dom Perignon Rose P2- Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! I fell head over heels for this Rose Champagne! Each sip was fully packed with rich flavors, deep spice and compelling savory notes, but the texture was what got me really hooked. Round, ultra creamy bubbles that would expand its wild flavors to every crevice in the palate. The finish was just as stunning as the wine itself. This was the winning Champagne of the night and a true must have Champagne for any lover of fine Champagne.
1998 Dom Perignon P2- A true expression of how dynamic Champagne can be. The first time we had this, it was linear, reserved and tight, but this time around, it was a completely different animal. Locked and loaded with insane complexities from rich golden orchard fruit, crushed almonds and cherry blossoms to exotic spice and ocean breeze. The finish was lengthy and the texture was absolutely seductive. This was a spectacular showing!
1983 Dom Perignon P3- Impressive thirty three year old Brut that was ready to go with a warm personality. The flavors were more toasty with bruised brown pears, baked apples, cherry pit and custard pie. Hints of dried magnolias, preserved lemons, toasted walnuts and warm spice gave this P3 extra flair. It was very interesting to pair the ’98P2 and the ’83P3 side by side. The 98P2 won it for me in this pairing, but the ’83P3 wasn’t that far behind.
Lead Winemaker Vincent Chaperon and Brand Team Audrey Morley
1988 Dom Perignon P3 Rose- We saved the best for last with this spellbinding rose Champagne- beautiful silky texture, seamless flavors and wonderful dimensions. As the ’98 DP P2 showed us how dynamic Champagne can be, this ’88 DP P3 Rose showed us how ageless Champagnes can be and no house has quite the longevity that is as prized as the treasures of Dom Perignon. This Champagne was the star of the show last year and it continues to shine with amazing grace.
In true Graileys’ style there were a plenitude of other shocking bottles opened. We had a phenominal comparison of two Manfred Krankle’s wines along with wines from his leading assistant winemakers who are rising stars in their own right.
2004 Sine Qua Non Ode to E Syrah- Holy smokes-! I truly believe a supernatural power from the above has blessed the smoke nuance in this Syrah! It was powerful but focused and clean. Accompanied with ripe powerful black currants, crushed black berries, creme de cassis, black pepper, liquid charcoal and licorice, this SQN took you for a wild ride!
2011 Sine Qua Non Patine Grenache- More red fruit driven in nature, with core flavors of ripe olives, violets and star anise. Also a stunning bottle but it’s power was overwhelming for my palate. A monstrous baby, this SQN needs more time to smooth out and grow.
Vincent Chaperon intrigued by the 2004 SQN Ode to E
2013 Andremily Syrah- My new favorite domestic Syrah!! This is a new project (only the second vintage) by Manfred’s right hand man, Jim Binns, and a project you want to follow! These wines came out strong with 2012 hitting 97 points on Parker and this 2013 vintage hitting 99! To my palate, the ’13 Andremily left the biggest impact with its impressive balance! Everything in this bottle was rich, ripe and glorious, but with that said, there is an impeccable balance in this Syrah that struck every cord for me. Find this wine and buy everything you can! This one is going to be the next cult people can only dream to get in their cellars!
2011 Lillian Gold Series Syrah- This Syrah is made by one of my favorite winemakers, Maggie Harrison, the first Manfred Assistant turned winemaking rockstar. There is an elegance in this wine that wasn’t as prevalent in the two SQN’s and the Andremily. The aromatics in the Lillian was much more lifted and perfumed and the texture more silky. Also powerful, but much more graceful, this is a beautiful Syrah that I continue to be in love with.
Once we pop, we just can’t stop! Other Champagnes popped up after all the Dom Perignon was out. Krug Grande Cuvee splits are always a house favorite; the 1999 Burno Paillard Nec Plus Ultra wonderfully crisp and minerally; the 1988 Roederer Cristal was warm and toasty; and you can never go wrong with a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc.
Other Extraordinary Bottles That Contributed to This Extraordinary Night
1981 Leroy Pommard Les Vignots
2015 Young Inglewood Vin Clair Rose!!
2003 Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve
1977 Warre’s Vintage Port
1997 Hospice de Beaune Beaune 1er Cru Cuvee Guigone de Salins by Dominique Laurent
1982 Leoville Barton
1999 Denis Mugneret Echezeaux
2011 Jean Philippe Meursault Chevalieres
2009 Arnaud Ente Meursault Clos des Ambres
A botttle of 1970 Dom Perignon OEnotheque was shared by the generous and beloved Champagne Dave! My most memorable Champagne experiences have been through the generosity of Champagne Dave and this bottle tops them all! This was a very special bottle of wine. Beautifully fresh with wonderful white and yellow petals but seductively toasty and savory with notes of brioche, lemon curd, deep minerals and dense spice. Outside the 1982 Dom Perignon P3, this Champagne outshines any Champagne I have had yet!
