DOM PERIGNON 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 1996 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Dom Pérignon 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 1996 is an exceptional Champagne that highlights the expertise of this prestigious house, widely regarded as one of the finest vintages. This blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir showcases a harmonious balance of fruit ripeness, acidity, and finesse. The wine reveals a luminous golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles and an exquisite bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, citrus zest, toasted brioche, and a delicate minerality. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, featuring a creamy texture complemented by refreshing acidity. Rated 98 points by The Wine Advocate and 97 by Vinous, this iconic vintage continues to evolve beautifully, making it a prized addition for collectors and a perfect choice for special occasions.

ABOUT THIS CHAMPAGNE
Dom Pérignon 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 1996 is a remarkable Champagne that exemplifies the mastery and tradition of the prestigious Dom Pérignon house. The 1996 vintage is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional years for Champagne, characterised by a perfect balance of fruit ripeness, acidity, and overall finesse.

Produced from a meticulously selected blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the finest vineyard plots, the 1996 Millesime showcases the signature style of Dom Pérignon—a harmonious combination of elegance and complexity. The grapes enjoyed ideal growing conditions throughout the year, resulting in a wine that is both powerful and refined.

Upon pouring, the 1996 vintage reveals a luminous golden hue, adorned with a fine stream of persistent bubbles. The nose is an exquisite bouquet of aromas, showcasing notes of ripe orchard fruits such as apple and pear, alongside hints of citrus zest, toasted brioche, and a delicate minerality. The evolution of the wine in the glass unveils layer upon layer of complexity, with nuances of honey, almond, and subtle spice emerging over time.

On the palate, the 1996 Dom Pérignon is full-bodied and rich, offering a creamy texture that envelops the mouth. The luscious fruit flavours are perfectly balanced with the wine's refreshing acidity, providing an invigorating finish. Despite its power, the wine maintains a certain sophistication, with a finish that lingers gracefully.

Having benefited from significant ageing on the lees, the 1996 vintage has developed secondary characteristics that add depth and complexity, making it an alluring choice for collectors and Champagne enthusiasts alike. The wine continues to evolve, and while it is certainly enjoyable now, it has the potential to age beautifully for many years to come.

Overall, Dom Pérignon 'Millesime' Brut Vintage 1996 is a testament to the artistry of Champagne production. With its exceptional balance, remarkable complexity, and rich history, this vintage stands out as one of the iconic expressions of Dom Pérignon, making it a perfect addition to any special occasion or a cherished addition to a fine wine collection.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 98 points
Drink Date 2005 - 2030
The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be.

VINOUS 97 points
One of the more accessible wines of the year today, the 1996 Dom Pérignon impresses for its exceptional balance and class. Lemon peel, white flowers and mint are laced together in the glass. The 1996 is in a terrific place today where it can be enjoyed or cellared for a number of years. - Antonio Galloni

WINE ENTUSIAST 96 points
This minerally. toasty wine has flavors of almonds and white stone fruits, and a long, finish. It is still young, and is just coming into great balance. Elegant and ethereal. — Roger Voss

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ABOUT DOM PERIGNON
Dom Pérignon is a prestigious brand of vintage Champagne produced by Moët & Chandon, named after the 17th-century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon. While the monk did not invent Champagne, he is credited with significantly improving the production techniques that laid the foundation for modern sparkling wine. Dom Pérignon has since become synonymous with luxury and quality, representing one of the world’s most esteemed wines.

Each bottle of Dom Pérignon is a vintage Champagne, meaning it is crafted exclusively from grapes harvested during a single year. This unique approach allows each vintage to showcase the characteristics of its specific harvest. The brand primarily uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, which contribute to the complex flavors and refined profile of the wine.

Dom Pérignon is renowned for its elegance and sophistication, often displaying a harmonious balance of fruitiness, minerality, and toasted notes. The Champagne undergoes a traditional secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in its fine bubbles and rich texture. After the harvest, the wine typically undergoes a lengthy aging process, often lasting several years—this maturation period is crucial for developing the wine’s depth, complexity, and character.

Over the decades, Dom Pérignon has produced numerous notable vintages, each offering unique traits reflecting the climate and conditions of the harvest year. The brand is celebrated not only for the quality of its wines but also for its remarkable aging potential, with some vintages becoming more intricate and nuanced over time.

Dom Pérignon is often associated with special occasions and is viewed as a symbol of celebration and luxury. Its iconic black and white label is recognized worldwide, making it a coveted choice for collectors, connoisseurs, and those seeking an exceptional Champagne experience.