The 2009 Dom Pérignon Rosé marks a return to a richer style of Rosé following the more ethereal 2008 Rosé. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, spice and pomegranate all build in a creamy, sensual DP Rosé that hits all the right spots. Over the last few years, Chef de Caves Vincent Chaperon and his team have lowered the still Pinot portion of the Rosé down to about 10% from a high of 28% or so, reached around 2004 and 2005. In 2009, the Rosé gains considerable textural presence from the generosity of the year. It is a superb Champagne. I preferred it to the 2008, which was also part of this tasting.

See score and full tasting note at champagneclub.com.

With a 13% red wine addition, this is slightly less vinous than the 2006 (which saw 20%), yet still lays closer to this bold, sunny vintage than the nervier 2008 release. It’s a Dom Pérignon rosé in full stride today, showing a beautiful maturing Pinot Noir savour of dried strawberry and black tea starting to evolve over fresher notions of cooked citrus, mandarin and pomegranate. There’s a flowing ease here, the mousse ultra fine and the drama of the red Pinot Noir settled beautifully.

In comparison to the charming, pure 2008 Dom Pérignon Rosé, the 2009 Dom Pérignon Rosé possesses a ripe, dense bouquet with aromas of dark berries, licorice, dried white flowers, toast and pastry, enhanced by delicate, racy smoky hints. Full-bodied, broad and rich, it’s dense and phenolic due to the approximately 15% still red wine sourced from grapes planted in the villages of Hautvilliers, Aÿ and Bouzy, culminating in a protracted, sapid and chalky finish. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This blend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay was disgorged in March 2022 with a dosage of five grams per liter.

59% Pinot Noir (13% of which as red wine), 41% Chardonnay. Aged 12 years on lees. Dosage 5 g/l. More orange than pink. Honey, caramel, wild raspberry which still has a fresh-picked tanginess to it. On the nose, the yeastiness is surprisingly subdued, but the palate comes through with bakery and brioche, especially on the long, toasty finish. (RH)

59% Pinot Noir (13% of which as red wine), 41% Chardonnay. Aged 12 years on lees. Dosage 5 g/l. More orange than pink. Honey, caramel, wild raspberry which still has a fresh-picked tanginess to it. On the nose, the yeastiness is surprisingly subdued, but the palate comes through with bakery and brioche, especially on the long, toasty finish. (RH)