We tasted: Dom Pérignon 1996

Tasting Dom Pérignon is always an immense pleasure and a great experience and this time we had the opportunity to do it in the middle of nature, on a peak of an Atlantic island’s mountain. The place we chose is a remote elegant hotel, Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, situated in the heart of Gran Canaria island, at 1559m of altitude and surrounded by the highest peaks of the islands (Morro de La Agujereada and Pico de las Nieves). We’re giving the location details as, in general, we believe it has an important influence to (any) wine tasting. We have some experience in tasting DP’s various vintages but regardless, this cuvée, vintage 1996, was mind-blowing and the best we’ve tasted yet. An excellent balance, rarely seen, between freshness, elegance, purity and maturity. Exhibiting an extraordinary explosion of complexity, polarised on its incredible freshness, a long persistence, a sublime mousse, this cuvée is impossible to forget. The vintage 1996 is undoubtedly one of the top three of twenty century’s best years in Champagne (we noticed that in Krug’s vintages also). On the nose, beautiful notes of chocolate, vanilla, toasted almonds; on the palate is incredibly sophisticated with notes of toffee, brioche, raisins, dry peaches and apple pie. Adorable vivid refined small bubbles doubled by a noble long mineral aftertaste. A masterpiece of champagne!

In our opinion this champagne is excellent to drink now, but it can also be kept longer time (if proper storage is ensured).