Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 26/12/2005 A stronger vintage than expected, the 1998 Dom Perignon exhibits aromas and flavors of lemon oil, orange rind, and brioche in a medium-bodied, zesty, rich, moderately intense style. It is far superior to either the 1993 or 1992. 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 available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants. ()

You will have to take my first notes on this wine with a generous pinch of salt. I tasted it actually in connection with the launch of my latest book at the French Embassy in New York. Partly I had my focus elsewhere, but above all the glasses were far from perfect. This wine felt classical, fairly light, but with a long, impressive aftertaste. I will return to it when I have been able to taste it in my own glasses. Now I have done that and the impression is the same in the main. Very long, pure and classical, with mineral in the lead, but up to now rather weak.
-Richard Juhlin Champagne Club, May 2008

A stronger vintage than expected, the 1998 Dom Perignon exhibits aromas and flavors of lemon oil, orange rind, and brioche in a medium-bodied, zesty, rich, moderately intense style. It is far superior to either the 1993 or 1992. 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 available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants. Importer: Moet-Hennessy, USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200.

These four vintages of Dom Pérignon provide a fascinating snapshot of how the house has performed in recent years. The 1998 Dom Pérignon comes across as somewhat two–dimensional and lacking the sheer cut of the 2000. There is plenty of ripeness in the fruit, but not quite the definition and verve of the finest vintages. This looks to be a relatively early-drinking Dom Pérignon. Geoffroy adds that the estate may have waited a bit too long to pick certain parcels in 1998.

A clear hue. A simple, exuberant nose of apple, brioche and a touch of biscuit. Very well balanced: forward and inviting, not a cerebral wine but one designed to celebrate with. Touch of clear honey on the finish. Drinking now, will not be a long-term DP. Pop the cork and quaff it down. Tasted June 2006.

60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir. Dosage 8 g/l. Disgorged ?2006. Pale gold. Fruit smells much riper than on the Dom Ruinart 98. Toasty with a hint of char, almost a little reductive, ginger too. Rich and toasty on impact then filled in the middle with a really bright citrus freshness. Marked struck-match character on the palate. Dense and still so full of energy. Generous in flavour and a tension keeping it in shape on the finish. Lots of char as it opens up. (JH)