One of the classic vinatges from Dom Pérignon and still performing great though past the many recommended drinking windows, is the 1996 vintage brut. Originally released in March 2004, the 96 is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes which have come from Grands Cru and also Premier Cru vineyards in Champagne.
Rated for many as a five star vintage year in Champagne with a mid September harvest, it holds some conflicting opinions within the world of wine having had rather erratic weather patterns, and also it's initial declaration as possibly the greatest vintage of the century to more toned down praise thereafter.
There were reported -20c in some parts of the region during February along with hard frost and even hail stones in May. A mixture of cold, warm, wet and dry patterns throughout the growing season with a more stable, yet cooler, last month of growth and a burst of heat just prior to harvest being declared. Some rot reported to around 10%.
1996 is also a year sadly recognised for a higher percentage of cork failures so this should be taken in to consideration when purchasing.
You should look to pay anything between £300 - £500 per bottle depending on storage history, condition, packaging. If you are looking to buy Dom Perignon Champagne 1996 go to Champagne Collectors.
Tasting notes include:
"Looks: It's bubbly. It shows off a gold color, like aged gold.
Smell: It gives off a toasted brioche and ripe pear scent. You can also spot a hint of almond flowers and mineral notes.
Taste: It's rich and creamy. Flavors of baked apple, lemon peel, and hazelnut pop up. There's also a sharp twist of acidity. The taste ends with a hint of sea salt and a dash of honey." Alessandra Azevedo Marc
"Delicate bubbles form a persistent and elegant mousse.
The aroma is opulent and complex, offering a bouquet of toasted brioche, ripe orchard fruits such as golden apple and pear, with hints of citrus zest and a subtle mineral undertone.
On the palate, it unveils layers of richness and finesse. Creamy notes of Crème Brulee, with vibrant flavors of almond paste accompanied by a light hint of candied ginger, create a harmonious balance between richness and freshness.
The mouthfeel is luxurious, with a silky texture and lively acidity that carries through to a lingering finish, leaving impressions of toasted hazelnuts and a hint of salinity." Giacomo Recchia
"Bubbles are in relaxed mode, with a touch of fatigue in the glass. Sparse tiny streams of bubbles persist, though do not expect the bottle to open with a pressure behind the cork neither an array of bubbles and foam in the glass as it is poured. Using a wide bowled Lehmann glass and this allows the wine to absorb plenty of the atmosphere and rapidly meet with the room temperature where both its aromas and flavours improve. On the nose is a candied / dried yellow fruit character with honey on toast and a slight dark berry expression. Not overly sweet, more dry expression though nonetheless your mouth salivates in anticipation. Flavours are rich and highly satisfying for any appreciator of vintage Champagne. Though the wine has been on cork for around 20 years it still holds on to many great fruit flavours albeit dried / canned fruits over fresh. Dried apricot, peach slices, honey, saline, lightly toasted bread, creamy chalk, mushroom/forest floor. Older wine reviews of the 1996 upon it's first release forecast the optimum drinking time of around 2010 and that the wine itself being a 96 vintage is likely to lose much of its quality with longer storage - now in 2023 it is still a very fine and enjoyable vintage Champagne and displays great taste characters." Christopher Walkey
