Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines on Nov-06

Rating: 98/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 162 on Dec-05

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 08/31/04

Rating for France-Champagne: 91 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>

WA98 Drink 2005-2030 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. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it is available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants.