The newly released Dom Pérignon 2018 is the first of what promises to be a fascinating trilogy of great, solar-driven vintages – 2018, 2019 and 2020 – and importantly, it is Vincent Chaperon’s first creation as Cellar Master.
2018 was exceptionally warm, with summer temperatures exceeding even 2003 and both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reaching record levels of ripeness. Chaperon’s challenge was therefore not ripeness, but how to retain freshness, tension and balance – something he achieved in part through a very deliberate choice of villages and vineyard exposures.
The choice of fruit was crucial. On the Montagne de Reims, Chaperon drew heavily on Pinot Noir from Verzenay, where the northerly aspect of the vineyards brought a cooler, fresher profile to the blend, complemented by a touch of Aÿ Pinot Noir for spice. From the Côte des Blancs, much of the Chardonnay came from Chouilly, bringing a more mineral-driven character. Together these elements helped provide the freshness and structure needed to balance the extraordinary ripeness of 2018. The final blend is 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir.
The early critical response is exceptional: Antonio Galloni 98/100, James Suckling 99/100 and Jancis Robinson MW 18+/20. Perhaps even more interesting for serious Champagne collectors, Essi Avellan MW gives 2018 a potential 98/100, placing it amongst a very small group of Dom Pérignon vintages to which she has given such potential.
Critics Scores & Tasting Notes:
96-98/100 Essi Avellan MW EssiAvellan.com October 2025
“The year unfolded under climatically ideal conditions, free from extremes, yielding a generous and balanced harvest. Chardonnay (54%) is anchored by fruit from Chouilly, while Verzenay and Aÿ provided the core of the Pinot Noir. This marks the inaugural vintage under Vincent Chaperon as Chef de Cave. The wine opens with striking aromatic purity and lush fruit tones of ripe peach, Madagascar vanilla, and lemon meringue pie. The nose remains somewhat reticent, hinting at further complexity to come. On the palate, it displays seamless harmony, textured yet precise, rich yet buoyed by a fine mineral tension. A subtle touch of phenolic grip firms the finish. Still holding much in reserve, this is a Dom Pérignon promising exceptional longevity.”
18+/20 Jancis Robinson Jancisrobinson.com June 2025
“Smoky, tense and taut with more marked acidity and depth than the 2017. But then the ripeness really shines through, too, though there’s a touch of something saline or mineral. This should last well. Great fruit intensity. Really very glamorous indeed. A no-brainer for hedonists.”
98/100 Antonio Galloni Vinous.com April 2026
“The 2018 Dom Pérignon is explosive, bright and so vibrant in the glass. Medium in body, with layers of understated depth, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. Lemon peel, chalk, mint and white pepper all open with a bit of coaxing. Readers will find a Dom Pérignon of unreal precision and class.”
See our article for more information on Dom Perignon Vintages and History.
