Description
On the nose, praline rapidly combines with citron and dried figs. Darker underlying iodine and peaty notes also emerge.
In the mouth, there is an apparent paradox, with concentration and movement vying for ascendancy. The structure of the wine is tense and assertive. Its energy, almost tactile, is contained for a moment before vibrating and exploding. Its opulence then becomes superbly persistent, trenchant and persuasive.
Grape Varieties: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Dosage: 6 g/L
The 1996 Dom Pérignon Œenothèque offers up layers of pastry, lemon, smoke and toastiness. At first deceptively understated, the wine turns positively explosive and layered on the palate, showing remarkable tension, elegance and power, all wrapped around a seriously intense frame. The balance between fruit and acidity is awesome. This is a marvelous DP Œeno. The Œeno is the same juice as the regular Dom Pérignon, except the Œeno is aged on the cork while the regular DP is aged in crown-sealed bottles. Once disgorged, the Œenos get a slightly lower dosage than is typical for the original release DP. This bottle was disgorged in 2008.
— Antonio Galloni
97/100 (December 2010)
As you can probably gather I am a huge fan of the 1996 Vintages and having tried all 4 variations the Oenotheque is really something special!
Extremely tight to start with as it opens and lets out a wonderful citrus taste of dried fruit and pear, as well as cinnamon also are tasted as the Champagne begins to show itself best after around 30 minutes.
Further aromas of chocolate and dried fruits appear as slight notes of citrus and pear appear and fade out.
Paired extremely pleasantly with Tuna tartar with Rio Frio Russian Style caviar, followed for main course by a Lobster Risotto. As for dessert Strawberry and Costa Rican pineapple with a slight topping of Vanilla Ice cream was perfect.
— Alex_Champagne
97+/100 (January 2016)
