dom perignon - The Justerinis Buyers' Blog

Opening and drinking the hallowed wines of Bordeaux’s ‘First Growths’ is always an event. These magnificent estates have graced the tables of the great and the good for centuries and continue to hold an appeal like no other wines from the Medoc or Graves.

1996 is one of our favourite vintages of the last few decades. It seems like only yesterday that England was losing to Germany on penalties and Dolly the sheep was born. It was a year that favoured the gravel terroirs and Cabernets of the Medoc, producing reserved, classic wines - wines with structure and complexity. Following the commercially attractive 1995s, the 1996s were not universally well received, although their then expensive release prices now look very equitable… Now at the ripe old age of 20, we decided this was an anniversary we definitely wanted to celebrate.

Recently I had the great fortune to visit the jewel in LVMH’S portfolio, Chateau de Saran, built in 1846 and located in green rolling hills just outside of Epernay.

It was once the hunting lodge and family residence of the Moët family. This venerable Chateau is now used to show the lucky few the iconic brand Dom Pérignon, in a fittingly breathtaking setting. We were there to taste the newest release, the seductive 2004 vintage, and to gain an insight into what makes this champagne the luxury wine it is today.

It was an experience I will never forget and I came away thinking we all should be buying far more vintage champagne, as it ages with grace, poise and charm and is utterly seductive even after 40 years! Dom Pérignon does all of that. It is unashamedly high class and will knock your socks off. I will try to explain a little of the philosophy behind this great champagne before ending with my tasting notes.

Posts with the label "dom perignon"

A First Class Dinner – The 1996s at 20

Opening and drinking the hallowed wines of Bordeaux’s ‘First Growths’ is always an event. These magnificent estates have graced the tables of the great and the good for centuries and continue to hold an appeal like no other wines from the Medoc or Graves.

Dom Pérignon vintages back to 1970

Recently I had the great fortune to visit the jewel in LVMH’S portfolio, Chateau de Saran, built in 1846 and located in green rolling hills just outside of Epernay.