1996 Dom Perignon Oenotheque
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Tasting Notes
This was my first look at the 1996 Oenotheque release of Dom Pérignon, which of course if quite a bit behind the evolutionary arc of the original release of the wine. The bouquet is still fairly youthful and steely in profile, delivering a still primary nose of green apple, pear, a touch of menthol, great, stony minerality, the gentle botanicals of Dom Pérignon in its youth, bread dough and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, young and absolutely pristine, with laser-like focus, refined mousse, great backend mineral drive and a very long, focused and perfectly balanced young finish. This does not offer anywhere near the pleasure in the glass today as the original release, but it will be even finer once it has reached its apogee. Drink 2028-2075+.
Critic Scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
John Gilman, View From The Cellar
More reviews and scores
The 1996 Dom Pérignon Oenothèque has really turned a corner over the last six months or so. When it was originally introduced the 1996 was hard as nails, today it is an exquisite Champagne that captures the essential brightness and energy of the year. Lemon, slate, oyster shells and white flowers stain the palate in an intense, beautifully sculpted Champagne of the highest level.
This shows amazing freshness and depth of fruit while remaining agile and very clean. Full body, dense and layered on the palate. Goes on for minutes with each sip. Lots of mineral and chalk character too. A fabulous Champagne. A blend of half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay.
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. Antonio Galloni
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About the producer
Dom Pérignon is one of the most highly regarded and well-known Champagnes in the world. The first and original prestige cuvée Champagne, it is today owned by LVMH.