Moét et Chandon Cuveé Dom Perignon 1982

The 1982 Dom Pérignon Brutchampagne from Moët & Chandon is a legendary vintage that combines the classic elegance of the house with the opulence of an exceptional year.

Historical background and the 1982 vintage

The 1982 vintage is considered one of the best of the decade. A cold winter and a cool spring delayed the start of growth, but helped the vines to avoid dangerous spring frosts. The grapes benefited from a warm, sunny summer that lasted well into September. These ideal conditions produced perfectly ripe grapes, giving the wine its legendary structure and depth.

Dom Pérignon is only produced in exceptional vintages and in 1982 a cuvée was created that further cemented the house's reputation for long-lasting, elegant champagnes.

Vinification and cuvée composition

• Grapes: The champagne is a cuvée of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as a small proportion of Pinot Meunier, which provides structure and roundness.

• Style: The 1982 is a classic brut. It is balanced and complex, with the ripe fruit harmonising perfectly with the fresh acidity.

Tasting notes

Over the decades, Dom Pérignon 1982 has developed into a complex, mature champagne that many connoisseurs consider to be at the pinnacle of its art.

Appearance and nose:
The colour has developed into golden. The nose is intense and multi-layered: notes of ripe yellow plum compote, baked apple and biscuit can be found, accompanied by fine notes of smoke and toast, fresh orange peel, hazelnuts and a hint of honey.

On the palate:
This champagne is medium-bodied but full-bodied and deep. The perlage may diminish with age, but the texture is creamy and smooth. The integrated acidity provides elegance and freshness. The finish is long and very complex with a final mineral and slightly nutty finish.

Reviews and drinking window

This champagne has consistently received excellent reviews from critics. A compilation of the best-known reviews:

The 1982 vintage is now fully matured. It is at its peak and should be savoured within the next few years.

Market prices and availability

Due to its age, this champagne is difficult to find on the open market. The price varies greatly depending on the condition of the bottle, provenance and place of sale:

• Standard bottle (750ml):

  • Bestofwines (defective label): €399.00 (net), €474.81 (gross)

  • K&L Wine Merchants: US$ 649.99

  • Village Wine Merchant: US$ 849.99

  • Average global price: approx. US 622$-$$US$ 812

• Special bottlings: The rare Oenothèque/P3 Plenitude edition, released later from the cellars of the house, is extremely expensive:

  • 12x75cl (case): approx. US$26,920 (approx. €24,900)

  • Single bottle: approx. $5,704 (standard bottle) or more

Tip for collectors: When making a purchase, make sure that the wine has been stored properly (e.g. in a climate-controlled wine cellar). Signs of over-ageing are a dark colour, lack of perlage/disappearance of mousse and a heavily oxidised, nutty taste.

Food pairing

Its maturity makes it an excellent accompaniment to savoury, aromatic dishes:

• Roasted or braised mushrooms (e.g. with truffles)

• Mature, creamy hard cheese such as Comté or Gruyère.

• Roasted poultry, veal fillet with morel sauce.

• Lobster or langoustine in a light curry sauce.

Conclusion

The Dom Pérignon 1982is a worthy representative of a legendary vintage. It offers a wonderfully mature, complex flavour profile with a soft texture and a surprising freshness. For collectors and connoisseurs, it is a piece of champagne history that should be savoured at its peak, and those who have the opportunity to open a well-aged bottle will be rewarded with an unforgettable taste experience.