DOM PERIGNON 1996 OENOTHEQUE GIFT BOX

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. Praline rapidly combines with citron and dried figs. Darker underlying iodine and peaty notes also emerge. When the wine has reached its optimal stage of maturity it will be released as Oenotheque. To guarantee the excellence of the wine each Oenotheque bottle is tasted at disgorging by a Dom Perignon wine maker. The 1996 Oenotheque initially presents with aromas of citron and dried figs. These aromas segue into darker underlying notes of iodine and peat. On the palate there is a a competition of concentration and movement against ascendancy. The tense structure of the wine provides an exciting energy which is contained momentarily before vibrating and exploding. The opulence of the wine then proceeds to become persistent and persuasive." James Suckling: 99 Points "Still looking impossibly fresh this was first released in 2004 and shows the ability of Dom to hold together an incredible array of complex aromas flavours and textural layering over considerable time. The grapefruit citrus characters are almost Burgundian in proportion both in terms of aromas and flavours Wine Advocate: 97 Points "The 1996 Dom Perignon OEenotheque 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 OEeno. The OEeno is the same juice as the regular Dom Perignon except the OEeno is aged on the cork while the regular DP is aged in crown-sealed bottles. Once disgorged the OEenos gets a slightly lower dosage than is typical for the original release DP. This bottle was disgorged in 2008." Vinous: 97 Points "The 1996 Dom Pérignon Oenothèque has really turned a corner over the last six months or so. When it was originally introduced the 1996 was hard as nails today it is an exquisite Champagne that captures the essential brightness and energy of the year. Lemon slate oyster shells and white flowers stain the palate in an intense beautifully sculpted Champagne of the highest level."