Dom Pérignon Rosé 1996, Plénitude 2, in its gift box. 1996 was a year of high acidity and high ripeness together, and the extended lees ageing has given the rosé extra depth without dulling that edge.
About This Champagne
The house describes 1996 as a paradoxical vintage, with concentration and balance competing and a restrained wine opening up to real richness with time. Antonio Galloni gave the 1996 Rosé P2 97 at Vinous, pointing to orange peel, rose petal and wild flowers, with freshness ahead of texture. He suggested drinking it over the following decade or two.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Orange peel, rose petal and wild flowers, then white peach, candied lemon and praline.
- Palate: Taut and vibrant, with fine bubbles, a firm line of acidity and red fruit that grows as it warms.
- Finish: Long, with white pepper, chalk and citrus.
Serving & Food
Pour at 11 to 12°C into a large white-wine glass and take it slowly, since it opens a lot over an hour. A mature wine to drink over the next several years. Serve with langoustine, mushroom risotto or lightly smoked eel.
How to Enjoy
Experienced Champagne drinkers who like mature wine with lift and freshness rather than heavy, oxidative notes.
Product Details
Producer: Dom Pérignon
Range: Rosé P2 / Second Plénitude
Vintage: 1996
Region: Champagne, France
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Category: Prestige rosé Champagne
Origin: France
Volume: 750mL
Presentation: Gift box
About the Maison
In 2016 Richard Geoffroy presented the P2 releases of 1998, 1996, 1995 and 1993 side by side in London, the first time they had been shown together. The main lesson was that vintage character survives the extra years: each wine was still clearly its own year, and the 1996 came across as taut, mineral and salty. The rosé versions follow the same idea, with a portion of the vintage held back in Dom Pérignon's cellars and disgorged only when the chef de cave judges it has reached a new stage.