1976 DOM PERIGNON 1976

These were lovely wines from the word go but, in the final analysis, only the best 1976s will stay the pace. A year of excessive heat and drought; thoroughly ripe grapes, well nigh perfect in Sauternes.

(04-2020) From an impeccably conserved original disgorgement, the 1976 Dom Pérignon is showing brilliantly, offering up aromas of praline, confit citrus, toasted bread, beeswax and subtle hints of mocha. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, broad and vinous, with fine depth at the core, lively acids and a long, sapid finish, complemented by a healthy but ultra-fine mousse. The product of a dry, compressed growing season, the harvest for Dom Pérignon began on September 1.

(06-2016) Full bodied, biscuity champagne with fine mousse and delicate flavors. The palate is complex, intense and filled with toasted nutty flavors followed by a long finish. This was tasted next to the 1973 Dom blind, I prefered the 73 by a slim margin.