1971 Dom Pérignon
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Tasting notes
This bottle of 1971 Dom Pérignon, the second that I have tasted, was an original disgorgement and slightly paler than the Cristal 1971 served alongside. It has a devastatingly gorgeous bouquet, intoxicating from the get-go: grilled walnuts, dried honey and even a hint of marmalade, all delivered with exceptional delineation. The palate is beautifully balanced with perfect acidity. There are subtle notes of citrus peel, mandarin, crushed stone and honeysuckle, though these are discrete. It is rather the tension and precision that elevates this magnificent Champagne. Tasted at Christies/Fine Wine Experience 1971 dinner.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1971 Dom Pérignon (Original Release) is a powerful, structured Champagne. Rosewater, dried flower and spice nuances give the 1971 a distinctive exotic profile. The 1971 does not have the fruit depth or mid-palate richness of most of the other wines in this tasting. As a result, the 1971 starts to feel a bit dry and austere as the fruit begins to fade. Even so, the 1971 is a highly attractive Champagne.
A transcendental bottle of the 1971 Dom Pérignon (original release) followed. It revealed gorgeous warmth in a round, enveloping style that was captivating. Hazelnuts, caramel and toffee are some of the nuances that emerged from this beautifully balanced DP. The interplay of more advanced tertiary tones and the minerality of the vintage was stunning. Once again, I found myself preferring the original release over the Œnothèque.
Our magnum of the 1971 Dom Pérignon was slightly corked which was especially disappointing given that the wine was otherwise fresh and vibrant.
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White