Event Details
A glass of champagne is different things to different people. And while to some, it's simply a nice drink to mark an occasion, to others it's the ultimate expression of a historic and enduring style of winemaking.
When it's a prestige champagne, or a vintage champagne, that feeling is even more pronounced. And Dom Pérignon has cemented its reputation as among the very best in the world in both categories – a champagne producer that only releases wines from exceptional vintages, and which is known for bold and supple flavour, richness and complexity, and an association with some of the best chefs in the world.
The majority of Dom Pérignon's cuvées are released after long ageing on the lees on what's referred to as its first plénitude – usually around 8-10 years. But a select few are kept for a significantly longer period of maturation, and released as Plénitude 2 cuvées. Trust us when we say that this extra-long ageing – usually a decade and a half or more between harvesting and release – results in some of the most exceptional bottles of champagne it's possible to drink, and usually ones that are near-impossible to track down as a consumer.
A chef who knows this better than anyone is Clare Smyth, chef-patron of the three-Michelin-starred Core in Notting Hill and a long-time lover of Dom Pérignon.
A bottle of Dom Pérignon 2004 Plénitude 2
Clare Smyth and Dom Pérignon chef de cave Vincent Chaperon
To celebrate the release of Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2004, Smyth has collaborated with the brand on a bespoke seven-course menu including dishes like Scottish lobster with fennel, citrus and courchamps, or the 'Notting Hill Forest' with white truffle chestnut, prune, pine and woodruff. The best part? The menu has been designed to pair with some incredible bottles, from the most recent cuvée of Plénitude 2 to some exquisite and rare vintages from years gone by, with many served by magnum – and some Dom Pérignon Rosé for good measure.
Both Smyth and Dom Pérignon's ambassador Ethan Boroian will be on hand to talk guests through the food and the wines, and while at £850 a person it's not exactly a cheap night, for those passionate about champagne, it represents what could genuinely be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to try some of the very best in the world from this truly iconic producer.
