1996 DOM PERIGNON 1996

(12-2019) Light greenish-yellow, golden shimmers, fine, well persistent mousse. Restrained fruit initially, but fine yellow fruit nuances gently emerge, a hint of blossom honey, delicate herbal spiciness, nutty patisserie notes. Complex and juicy on the palate, nuances of acacia honey, integrated acidity, a fine peach touch, mineral, silky, lingering minerality in the finish. Elegant, huge length, nougat finish. At present, a legendary Champagne.

(06-2012) Very concentrated and very dry on the finish - perhaps because of the relatively high acidity. Quite a bit of development on the nose but no excess richness. Very firm and well out of its shell. Complex and tight knit. A 'serious' Dom P better suited to the table than more casual drinking. Magnificent concentration.

(10-2018) Continuing to develop nicely, the wine now marries elegance, complexity, freshness to fresh, citrus, flowers, toasted bread and almonds. The purity in the fruit stands out. This is effortless to drink.

(01-2018) The vintage I have drank the most (more than 20 occasions) and a wine that is developing so slowly that it appears to be held in suspended animation. When first released, this was zesty and mouth-watering, the bracing acidity held in check with a decent level of sugar in the dosage: compact, cool-fruited, and very tasty. The acidity has calmed down in the intervening years, aromatic volume and complexity is building, although the tiny spike of greenness is ever-present in the background. Becoming nicely toasty. Such a shame there are no magnums! Drink 2018-2035.

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(05-2011) Le nez présente d'intenses notes grillées et biscuitées avec un caractère fruité sous-jacent de fraises chaudes, de tranches de pommes golden delicious, de coquilles d'huîtres et de poussière de craie. Très croquant, fin, jeune et frais en bouche, la finale offre des couches de minéraux, d'agrumes et une agréable onctuosité dans la texture et la saveur.

(01-2006) 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.