Ratings & Tasting Notes:
94 points Burghound
Here the expressive and highly nuanced nose is fully mature with full-on aromas of brioche and powerful yeast scents that add plenty of breadth to the baked apple, pear, floral and soft spice nuances. The rich, full-bodied and equally powerful flavors possess a borderline creamy mouth feel despite the presence of a still very firm mousse, all wrapped in an utterly delicious, deep and palate coating finale. (10/2015)
94 points Vinous
An unexpected treat, the 1988 Dom Pérignon is a fabulous surprise. Here the flavors are bright, focused and tense, with attractive floral and citrus notes that cut through the richness of the chilled lobster appetizer. (AG) (3/2014)
93 points Wine Advocate
No tasting note given. (12/1994)
93 points Wine Spectator
Beautiful. Offers great toasty, earthy aromas, lively but mellow fruit flavors and a lingering finish. Seems suave and sophisticated, even better than when reviewed earlier. Tempting now, but should improve. *Top 100 Wines of 1995*
Cult Wines International Notes:
The history of Dom Pérignon is inextricably linked to the Benedictine monk of the same name, who served as the cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers in the late 17th century. While he did not “invent” sparkling wine, his pioneering contributions—including the development of the “coquard” press, the blending of different crus to achieve a balanced house style, and the introduction of cork closures—laid the foundational techniques for modern Champagne production. Formally launched as the prestige cuvée of Moët & Chandon with the 1921 vintage, Dom Pérignon is exclusively a vintage Champagne, produced only in years where the fruit meets the rigorous standards of the Chef de Cave. The wine is defined by a commitment to an equal partnership between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, seeking a tension between ripeness and acidity that allows for decades of evolution on the lees.
The 1988 vintage in Champagne is remembered as a “classicist’s dream,” characterized by a long, steady growing season that favored structural precision over opulent fruit. Following a mild winter and a rainy spring that delayed flowering, a warm and remarkably consistent summer allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This extended hang time resulted in fruit with high sugar levels balanced by an exceptionally firm, vibrant acidity—a hallmark of the decade’s most age-worthy wines. For Dom Pérignon, the 1988 harvest produced a vintage of profound linear elegance and mineral intensity. Often overshadowed in its youth by the more muscular 1989 and the legendary 1990, the 1988 has emerged in maturity as one of the most sophisticated releases of the era, prized for its toasted brioche, dried citrus, and smoke notes, all underpinned by a persistent, razor-sharp freshness.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.
Condition:
Please note: The item in the photos is the exact item being sold.
Fill level is about 1″ below the foil. Color and clarity are excellent, as shown in the photos.
