1996 Champagne

Founded in 1729, Ruinart boasts the exalted title of the oldest House in Champagne. Taking its name from the founder’s uncle, Dom Thierry Ruinart (a close friend of none other than Dom Pérignon himself), Ruinart certainly still lives up to its prestigious reputation.
Dom Ruinart is only ever produced from the finest Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes in the best vintages. With its sumptuous white stone fruit, hazelnut and vanilla flavours, the 1996 has to be one of the best Blanc de Blancs Champagnes on the market today.

We are very pleased to have sourced an immaculate parcel of one of the world's greatest champagnes in an outstanding vintage: 1996 Krug.  If Dom Perignon is Champagne's Lafite, Krug is Champagne's Latour; there is a regality and class about this wine that is unmistakable. Their 1996 is as outstanding as one would expect and the critics are united on this one.

A bottle opened in the office has split opinions, though only on when to drink it.  It does show some development, and is very attractive now for some, though personally I would give this a few more years.  Spectacular.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Fine Wine

A year like no other, 1996 in Champagne married the highest levels of sugar and acidity in living memory; the resulting wines are extraordinary in their concentration, yet perfectly poised in terms of structural definition. A seductive golden colour then a surprisingly forward nose which marries honey, acacia, brioche and truffle; it is on the palate that the identity of the year really starts to sing, with minerality providing a taut and still precocious texture. Beneath this the ripe fruit is slumbering; its ultimate manifestation will herald unparalled complexity and profundity. Similar to the 88 but I suspect it will, over time, be even better.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer