Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
2010 saw the lowest temperatures since 1996 with winter frosts and a cool spring that eventually lead to a hot and particularly dry summer. However, this changed in mid-August when the equivalent of two months of rain fell in two days and so the combination of heat and water meant that maturation was extremely fast from here onwards and botrytis attacked the Pinot Noir grapes. Some parcels had to be left out or sorted so that the chosen ones would bring out the very best of the vintage which was incredibly rich in weather contrasts.
54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir. Dosage 5g/l.
“A vintage, Vincent Chaperon is convinced, has been misguidedly overlooked. 54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir. Dosage 5g/l. This bottle was disgorged in February 2019. For the background see this article. Amazingly, obviously, Dom P on the nose – the powerful lemon-mousse nose came soaring out of the glass long before my nose got anywhere near it. The massive intensity of complex aroma hints that this might be a little blowsy on the palate but not a bit of it. It's really tense and tight on the palate and has a certain fumey smokiness to the very concentrated palate..."
"...its most marked feature is the persistence of the finish. This, along with the concentration, makes me confident we will be seeing this in a P2 version, even though 15% of the potential Pinot Noir was left on the ground. Definitely not a weak vintage of Dom P.” Awarded 18.5 Points - Jancis Robinson
On the nose, sweet tropical fruits shine through such as mango, melon and pineapple with hints of citrus zest and fresh orange. A freshness is revealed with blooming jasmine, peony and lilac notes.
On the palate, this wine is full and expressive unfolding bold and generous flavours and textures leading to peppery spices and a controlled, saline finish.
The 2010 vintage pairs perfectly with seafood dishes paired with citrus notes, heavier lamb dishes and fruit-led desserts.