Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1996

98 points Robert Parker: "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. (Dec 2005)"

98 points Falstaff: "Light greenish-yellow, golden shimmers, fine, well persistent mousse. Restrained fruit initially, but fine yellow fruit nuances gently emerge, a hint of blossom honey, delicate herbal spiciness, nutty patisserie notes. Complex and juicy on the palate, nuances of acacia honey, integrated acidity, a fine peach touch, mineral, silky, lingering minerality in the finish. Elegant, huge length, nougat finish. At present, a legendary Champagne. (12/1/21)"

97-98 points Essi Avellan, MW: "Fragrant, mineral and toasty, teasing nose with classy smokiness complemented by honeycomb and vegetal complexity. Light and cool feeling, even if the palate is super intense, exploding with juicy fruit. Lively and cheerful with tangy and steely acidity. Very youthful, still restrained. A beautiful vintage, atypical in its grip and acid-line. Holding on beautifully. (Dec 2019)"

97 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A distinctly reticent but elegant nose with a purity of expression that is truly impressive to experience as it's relatively high-toned and while the yeast comes up with air, it's relatively muted at presence, combining with intense, precise and superbly detailed and complex flavors that culminate in an explosive and wonderfully long finish. This may very well rival the sublime '90 in time even if it's not quite as concentrated. This is still a baby so there is absolutely no rush whatsoever. Drink: 2011+. (Oct 2007)"

97 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "The much-hyped 1996 vintage has proven less consistent than the original hype suggested. Pinot Noir didn't have enough phenolic and aromatic ripeness (many were too excited by the 10g/l malic acidity and 10 degrees potential ABV combination to notice). A great vintage for Blanc de Blancs then, yet the winemaking team delivered a thrilling edition of this wine for 1996. A higher dosage and that lovely acidity gave birth to a rich, complex champagne with lovely freshness and fruit. The lime blossom and lemony toast of youth are beginning to fade a little as the wine strides into its final drinking window. Supremely balanced, with elegant aromas of coffee, toast with a peppering of walnut. Mouthwatering fruit and long angular finish. Retains precision! Lovely! (2/25/23)"

94-96 points Richard Juhlin: "(52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir) When I tasted this wine for the first time it was together with Tom Stevenson at its world premier at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London. Both of us were surprised by the openness and direct charm that this classic, unmistakable Dom Pérignon exhibited. The acidity was there, under the blanket of sweet, rich aromas created by a rather high dosage and ripe grapes. The nose is heavenly with its elements of peach, lemon, and lime, together with vanilla, chocolate creams, and coffee beans. The taste is caressingly soft and very rich. Wonderful on the spot, but surely a wine to follow through life's every phase. Geoffroy is a genius! (Mar 2009)"

95 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This is the original release of 1996 Dom Pérignon and I drank this bottle with friends only a few weeks before I left New York for my planned month on the road tasting in France in March. This bottle is not a whole lot further along its evolutionary path than the P2 reported on below, but still shows the excellent promise of the 1996 vintage. The bouquet offers up a complex blend of wizened apples, lemon peel, stony minerality, sourdough bread, just a hint of the sweet nuttiness to come and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with excellent focus and grip, lovely mousse, still quite brisk acids and a very long, nascently complex and beautifully balanced finish. 2023-2065+. (May/Jun 2018)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "One of the more accessible wines of the year today, the 1996 Dom Pérignon impresses for its exceptional balance and class. Lemon peel, white flowers and mint are laced together in the glass. The 1996 is in a terrific place today where it can be enjoyed or cellared for a number of years. Drink: 2014-2030. (Oct 2014)"