The winemaking year of 2013 marked a return to the esteemed tradition of late-harvest vintages. Following a winter that was both cold and wet, spring arrived with a persistently cool and unusually rainy disposition. This led to the vines budding approximately two weeks behind the decade's average, a delay that persisted until harvest time. The summer, on the other hand, turned out to be the sunniest ever recorded in the Champagne region, immensely benefitting the quality of the grapes. Early September rains soon gave way to easterly winds that ensured the grapes remained in excellent health until picking commenced at Dom Pérignon on September 28. Sampling this vintage hinted at a harmonious balance of acidity and richness.
The crafting of the 2013 vintage epitomizes the harmony between Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, between the sharpness of acidity and the depth of full-bodied wines. The precise and refined bouquet emerges delicately, weaving a complex aromatic tapestry of powdery notes, unfolding in three layers: initially citrusy, followed by a greener, vegetal quality, and finally a touch of spices. This finesse leads to an effortless elegance, where the wine, beginning with a subtle entrance, gradually builds and blooms, ultimately giving way to sublime clarity.
