Dom Perignon vertical: added video and link (04,03,02,96,69)

WINE TALK
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I was able to taste some great wines at the abbey just before flying home for the holidays and have to say that the 1996 Oenotheque is brilliant. So much so that I went a bit nuts and purchased 6 bottles. For information, sales are there for as low as $250 per bottle, which I consider a rather good deal… In any case, will hopefully have an article published online about the vertical and other Champagne related news next week, but for now, here a few quick notes on the wines I tried:

The 2004 is excellent. Similar in style to the 2002 but not as precise or intense. I consider it more similar to the 2000, perhaps not as opulent either. A very good Dom indeed.

The 2003 is better than I was expecting. It has quite a bit of intensity on a yellow fruit register but is not flat or short in any way. Just not as energetic as the 2004. Nor as precise.

The 2003 rose on the other hand is superb: the Pinot did very well in that vintage and the mid palate is seductive and I want it. And I may have bought some if it were not for the 1996 Oeno…

The 2002 rose is superior to the 2003 in terms of precision and finish - it has a longer finish. But the 2002 is not to be touched now. Not by a longshot. Very tightly wound. The 2003 is just much more pleasurable and even deeper on the mid palate. An interesting comparison.

The 1996 Oeno is everything I want from a great Champagne: vibrancy, tension, a panorama of aromas and flavors, smooth yet, well, excitingly bubbly and very long and precise. You could almost drink it now, but it would be a shame. Give it a few years before starting with your first bottle from your six pack, I am telling myself :slight_smile:.

But the best was the 1969 Oeno, disgorged in 2006. It started with truffles, I mean a real truffle nose, then burst into citron aspects and then patisserie and ending on grilled almond and espresso notes. Not one bit of oxidation. This was fresh and vibrant but full bodied and very smooth. Refined light bubbles but vinous. The vintage was a warm one, but oh my how long lasting this vintage has proven to be. But I will write more about this next week. In any case, this was perhaps the best wine I had in 2013, and it was nice way to end a lovely visit to the abbey.

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What fun! Thanks for the notes, Panos

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Cheers Neal! It was really fun! Tasting guided by enologist Vincent Chaperon. Before, a visit to the abbey and where both Dom Perignon and Dom Ruinart are both buried.

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Great stuff.

I had this last week and was also nicely surprised by the wine. I thought it was drinking really well right now.

J

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love that 96 Oeno. Had a b by myself last week, well, wife had half a glass.

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Had the '95 Oeno a few months ago, I now get the accolades…great stuff!

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Thanks for the notes Panos.

I had the regular 69 Dom last week and it was superb, mature Champagne. Can only imagine how good the Oeno is.

Best Regards
Jeremy

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I almost opened a 2002 this weekend but they were buried so I went with 2000. Better than I remember it the last time I had it.

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I think the '03 gets a bit knocked more than it should. I mean if you end up paying the same price for '03 as you do for the '02 or '04, then you’re better off with the latter. But on the whole, If you can find '03 for less, it’s really fairly enjoyable.

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Here one of several videos I took from the tasting.
And A LINK to my web posting with photos.

Happy holidays with plenty of bubbly :slight_smile:
champagne.gif

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  1. Love those glasses for champagne

  2. The oenologist looks like he is 20

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Neal! Me, too. I prefer drinking quality Champagne from Burgundy glasses. Tis wine, of course. And Vincent is actually 38.

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Hi Paul. Remember when we were in Strasbourg together at that overpriced restaurant? Your taste for Champagne has evolved, no? As for the 2000, I really like that vintage. It is opulent. I suppose the 2002 may age better but I think the 2000 seems in a very good spot now.

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I definitely remember that trip Panos! My taste for champagne has changed but I still don’t have the desire to drink a lot of it but every once in a while, it hits the spot.

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Panos, you’re having entirely too much fun!!

Great notes!

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In that case, I’m going to pop one for Christmas pre-dinner. champagne.gif

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Christopher, do share your impressions! I am at my sister’s this evening with oysters and Chablis.
Randy, the fun has only just begun :slight_smile:. Looking forward to getting together later this month.