1996 Moet & Chandon Cuvée Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne

SKU #1007233 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 present, 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. (10/ 2007)

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The nose gives intense toasty, biscuity notes with an underlying fruit character of warm strawberries, golden delicious apple slices, oyster shells and chalk dust. Very crisp, fine, youthful and fresh in the mouth, the finish provides layers of minerals, citrus fruits and a pleasant creaminess in texture and flavour. (5/ 2011)

96 points Wine Enthusiast

This minerally. toasty wine has flavors of almonds and white stone fruits, and a long, finish. It is still young, and is just coming into great balance. Elegant and ethereal. (11/ 2006)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Very pale color. Wonderfully complex, musky aromas of minerals, ginger, lemon, earth, mushroom, smoke and brioche; with aeration, this showed sweaty saline and chicken broth notes that reminded me of Le Montrachet, as well as a captivating topnote of fresh rose petal. Fat, ripe and mouthfilling without being at all heavy. Loaded with flavor and long and delicious on the aftertaste. (12/ 2004)

93 points Wine Spectator

This features floral, candied citrus, pencil shaving and hazelnut aromas and flavors. It's fresh and focused, with a firm structure offset by a mouthfilling richness and a lacy texture. Not a blockbuster, but seamless and seductive in its approach. (8/ 2004)

Jancis Robinson

Very pale, greenish. Reduced, sulphidey nose. Sweetness on the front palate - rather charming and certainly extremely ambitious. Great finesse and lovely texture. Really lacy on the palate. A caress of a wine, though not that much mousse. Drink 2004-16. (10/ 2004)