Too early to open 1996 Champagnes?

Fred_Bower · April 17, 2011, 1:57am

Ray,

You failed to mention which glass you prefer to drink your Champagne out of. It could be the beginning of a great endorsement deal. Inquiring minds want to know…or is it a proprietary advantage?

Cheers,
fred

Frank_Drew · April 17, 2011, 4:40am

Exactly; you could get hit by a bus tomorrow. I don’t at all regret opening one of my two bottles of the '96 Clos des Goisses. I’d like to hold on to the other to see what happens with some aging, but the one we had was simply wonderful, and didn’t at all feel (taste) like a mistake to have opened it.

Robert_Thornton · April 17, 2011, 7:06am

I agree with Ray et al., that I’ve enjoyed drinking pretty much every '96 Champagne I’ve had recently, even if some are still babies that are no where near they’re ultimate development (e.g., Salon).

My issue is that as a poor college professor, I couldn’t buy all I wanted of some of the greats, so some are too young for me in that I’d be heartbroken to go through my stash before at least some were mature, as they will be legends. They’re so tempting that it’s hard, but I need to cellar enough of the '96s and '88s to show my kids what great Champagne can be with a bit of age.

Cheers,
-Robert

G_Greenbaum · April 17, 2011, 6:53pm

I thought it was to show your tasting group.

todd_waldmann · April 17, 2011, 7:37pm

Opened a magnum of '96 Henriot Brut last night & it was clearly young, but drinking beautifully…

Ray.Tuppa_sch · April 17, 2011, 9:03pm

At home I use Riedel’s Chianti/Zinfandel glass.

Maybe they will want me to star in an infomercial for them.

Mike_During · April 17, 2011, 9:16pm

If these are the vinum I have them. Also have the vinum and sommielier champagne glasses to play with. Cheers Mike

alan_weinberg · April 17, 2011, 10:01pm

drink 'em and let the kids read your tasting notes.
alan

G_Greenbaum · April 18, 2011, 6:50pm

Thanks Todd. I just p/u a few 750s of this.

David_Glasser · April 19, 2011, 12:57am

Recently had both the '96 Henriot Brut regular - agree that it is very good but likely to get better - and the Enchanteleurs, which was clearly a couple of steps up but will also get better. No regrets opening either one of them.

Anyone had the '96 Philipponnat Clos des Goisses recently? I haven’t popped one yet. They often benefit from a lot of cellar time. Too soon to open?