Experience with 1962 Dom Perignon?

WINE TALK
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I recently acquired 3 bottles of 1962 Dom (birth year wine) from the most recent Acker auction.

Wondering if anyone has thoughts on this one in terms of when to drink by, with the mind set of only good bottles, not good wines, that old. These appear to be in very good condition FWIW.

Also, I only have one other birth year wine (1962 BV Georges de Latour, where one earlier bottle was fantastic, and the other one a bit tired, but still good).

Not sure I will be buying any more 1962s, as La Tache and even Vega Sicilia Unico won’t be in the immediate birth year wine budget.

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Oddly enough, there are a few recent reviews in Cellartracker

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Thanks Brig.

Yes, saw those.

Hopefully, my bottles are more like the first two notes.

I do know that some (maybe many?) do not post all their TNs on CT, so trying to get a bit more info if possible.

Still, surprising to see some 3 TNs last year on this, with the next most recent ones in 2016.

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Maybe celebrating their 60th with a birth year wine?

It’s my birthday too so if you need a copilot I’m here for you in the OC. LOL

Enjoy!

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Yeah, but those 3 were posted in 2023 (March and October), so unless they posted late, my math says that would be their 61st birthdays ;-). It does make sense that people drank that for their 60th though.

There is a nice symmetry in drinking a 62 when you turn 62. Will keep you in mind if I need a drinking buddy (don’t want to do a Miles ;-)).

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Tom, when they are in good shape the 1962 DP can be terrific. I’d drink one of them to get a data point, and then you’ll know how to anticipate the other two. Let us know!

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Congrats on the score! And i agree with Brad and Brig. You’ve got 3. For sure pop one on your next Bday! :cheers:

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i’ve had a few original green label dom p from the 60s and 70s and every single one poured like light tea, brown favors, and flat… for the first 30 minutes. then they opened with magically tiny bubbles (not visible, but apparent on the palate) and glorious caramel mushroom aromas with baked spices and apples. so, give it some time to air slowly, but then make sure to get in there as it doesn’t last that long either. congrats on the purchase! i seem to recall one of the lots had a disgorgement note? (may be confusing with another auction)

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The interesting thing is that the second and third notes appear to be describing the same bottle of wine. One gave it 85 points and said it was way over the hill, the other 93 and loved it.

À chacun son goût. Let’s just hope yours is closer to Cailles than to SirPat00!

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Thanks all. Excited to try these. Will definitely open one up in June for my 62nd birthday, and will definitely keep an eye/nose/taste out for evolution once opened. Will report back. BTW: Only description in the Acker catalog was “outstanding color and condition”.

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I’ve purchased many wines with much worse descriptions than that, ha! :cheers:

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Opened one of my three bottles last night.

Still had some bubbles/effervesence, but very fine. Definitely noticeable though.

Color was light caramel and had notes of dried apricots and roasted chestnuts. Enjoyable in large part due to the year and age, but not for pure drinking pleasure. Could hold, but likely will try to drink both remaining bottles this year. Nice taste of history.

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lucky you. My 64s, costing a pretty penny, have all been dead.

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I (second CT note, 93pts) had the same bottle as the third guy (85pts). He dismissed it quickly as the first impression showed a wine past peak with oxidation note. I followed it for longer and the wine rejuvenated in the glass. In my experience, old Champagne can do that (with the risk that they turn (literally) sour after the rejuvenation). Give it some time.

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