Lot 34
BOLLINGER CHAMPAGNE R.D. EXTRA BRUT 1996 (1) WA 96
MOËT & CHANDON CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE DOM PÉRIGNON 1996 (1, OC) WA 98
POL ROGER CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL 1996 (1, OC) WA 95+
Lot 34 Details
BOLLINGER CHAMPAGNE R.D. EXTRA BRUT 1996 (1)
Champagne.
scraped label.
Disgorged in 2013, this bottle of Bollinger's 1996 Extra-Brut R. D. vindicates the house's decision to harvest late in this high-acid vintage, as even though the 1996 has a notably low pH of 2.93, the wine also possesses the maturity of fruit to balance it. Bursting with aromas of golden orchard fruit, crème brûlée, espresso roast, spices, warm bread, smoke and honeycomb, with time in the glass hints of dried fruits and marmalade emerge. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and vinous, with a textural attack and an ample core of fruit that's complemented by a pearly mousse, concluding with a long, saline, bone-dry finish. This is the best bottle of the 1996 R. D. I've ever encountered. August 2022 Drink to 2036 WA 96
MOËT & CHANDON CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE DOM PÉRIGNON 1996 (1, OC)
Champagne.
The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. December 2005 Drink: 2005-2030 WA 98
POL ROGER CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL 1996 (1, OC)
Champagne.
Opening in the glass with notes of iodine, confit orchard fruit, tangerine, smoke and buttered toast, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and tensile, with a seamless, beautifully balanced profile and a classy, somewhat more reserved, intellectual profile than the younger vintages that followed it. This serious but harmonious 1996 will still improve with additional cellaring. May 2023 Drink to 2040 WA 95+