Old Champagne

I had the opportunity to taste a 1966 and a 1969 Dom Perignon Brut last night. Both bottles were well stored, the corks were both good and both wines were outstanding. The wines were almost identical in color flavor, body and mousse but the 1966 had a bit more of everything including mousse. They were a golden amber color in the glass with still a fair amount of bubbles but perhaps half of what one would find in a newer vintage. The nose was musky and heavy with hazelnut and cappuccino. The wine was very complex on the palate with plenty of brioche, apple pie, vanilla, a bit of walnut and hazelnut and finsihed with a pronounced black coffee flavor. Still plenty of acidity and zip to keep things in balance.