1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque
By Dom Perignon
1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque by Dom Perignon
In the pantheon of champagne vintages, the 1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque from Dom Perignon claims a hallowed place. This specific vintage awoke the potential of an illustrious year that was graced by nearly perfect weather patterns, affording unprecedented potential for maturation never seen in decades.
Expert crafting, a beacon for smart investment
The realisation of this vintage's potential was entrusted to the house Dom Perignon's masterful craftsmanship, dedicated towards unearthing the utmost expression of taste and texture. The 1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque became a symphony of depth and complexity that only the best in their trade could truly orchestrate.
A tantalising meeting between power and purity, each tasting is an evocative revelation about how beautifully wine can mature. The fusion of crisp apple notes and a warm brioche undertone is an irresistible marriage borne out of this phenomenal vintage.
Year of high yield, age of fine wine
The year 1996 was particularly significant for champagne creation—with an amalgamation of climatic factors fortuitously culminating in richly endowed grapes. These conditions have glazed the 1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque with a unique shimmer and vibrancy in flavour that distinguishes it within Champagne lineage.
Dom Perignon has deftly harnessed this bounty into a sparkling expression of nuanced layering—the intertwining dance of bubbles against the palate offering renewed discoveries with each sip—demonstrating that even fine wines can still hold pleasurable surprises.
This champagne bears testament to its age with honour. Its evolving layers of intensity and persistent finish are profound showcases of why investing in vintages such as the 1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque would be considered not just a wise but also rewarding pursuit for anyone seeking exceptional returns from arguably the finest blend that redefined typical champagne expressions.
Market price (GBP)
£4,620.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
271.76
Scores and tasting notes
The 1996 Dom Perignon OEenotheque offers up layers of pastry, lemon, smoke and toastiness. At first deceptively understated, the wine turns positively explosive and layered on the palate, showing remarkable tension, elegance and power, all wrapped around a seriously intense frame. The balance between fruit and acidity is awesome. This is a marvelous DP OEeno. The OEeno is the same juice as the regular Dom Perignon, except the OEeno is aged on the cork while the regular DP is aged in crown-sealed bottles. Once disgorged, the OEenos gets a slightly lower dosage than is typical for the original release DP. This bottle was disgorged in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2026. Four new releases of the flagship Dom Perignon are the highlights among these Champagnes from Moet & Chandon. There is a timeless elegance about Dom Perignon that I find comforting and reassuring, like a favorite restaurant or food. For that reason, nothing could have prepared me for the Champagnes I tasted recently with Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy. While the 2002 Dom Perignon and 1996 Dom Perignon OEenotheque are both for the most part representative of what readers have come to expect from this house, the 2000 Dom Perignon Rose and 1990 Dom Perignon Rose OEenotheque are wines that push the envelope and push it hard. I can’t think of another winemaker at a Grande Marque who is willing to take these kinds of risks by turning well-established conventions on their head. Much of what I tasted reminded me of the experimental, searching spirit that defines so many of the smaller-production, artisan Champagnes being made today. As the saying goes ‘no guts no glory’ and there is plenty of both here. These wines are nothing short of magnificent. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2010