1969 Dom Pérignon

A bevy of Dom Pérignons followed. The more I taste DP the more I am convinced that the most consistently reliable bottlings are impeccably well-stored original releases, rather than the far pricier Œnothèque series. A flight of 1969s was off the charts. The original release was surprisingly ripe and explosive, with phenomenal length and head-spinning balance. The Rosé was quite a bit more subtle and almost wine-like in its dried roses, slightly faded fruit and delicate finish. I loved it. The Œnothèque showed great depth, detail and all-around polish. This is one of the very finest vintages for Dom Pérignon, and all three bottles were on fire.

Both bottles of the 1969 Dom Pérignon were spellbinding. The original release was creamy-textured, sweet, long and incredibly pure, while the Œenothèque (disgorged 2006) was, as one might expect, far fresher than the original release and just insanely beautiful. This was the finest bottle of the 1969 Œenotheque I have ever tasted.

The 1969 Dom Pérignon, the house’s last wine to be aged in cask, was fully mature. It revealed a full-bodied, unctuous personality in its oxidized, caramelized aromas and flavors.