Moët & Chandon Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1959

Historical classification and significance

Dom Pérignon 1959is one of the most legendary champagnes of the 20th century. As a prestige cuvée from Moët & Chandon, this vintage not only represents an exceptional wine, but also a piece of contemporary history. The 1959 vintage was produced in the post-war era, when Europe was regaining its economic and cultural strength.

The 1959 vintage in Champagne

Climatic conditions

• Growing season: Extremely warm and sunny summer with historic temperature records

• Autumn: Prolonged, dry and sunny weather until the harvest

• Speciality: The grapes achieved exceptional physiological ripeness with a good acidity structure

• Harvest: Started on 21 September under ideal conditions

Vintage character

1959 is regarded throughout Champagne as the vintage of the century, comparable to 1947, 1961 or 1990. The wines are characterised by:

• Particular ripeness and fullness

• Good alcohol levels

• Excellent ageing potential

Production details

Cuvée composition

• Grape varieties: Estimated 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir (typical for the time)

• Sites: Selected parcels from Grand Cru communes, predominantly:

  • Chardonnay: Cramant, Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

  • Pinot Noir: Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay

• Production volume: Limited, exact quantities not publicised, but significantly lower than today's vintages

Vinification and ageing

• Fermentation: Traditionally in stainless steel tanks

• Malolactic fermentation: Completely carried out (typical of the era)

• Sur lie maturation: Estimated 6-8 years before disgorgement

• Dosage: Presumably higher than today's standards (approx. 10-12 g/l), corresponds to the flavour of the time

Sensory analysis

Current condition (with perfect storage)

Colour:

• Deep gold with amber-coloured reflections

• Fine, but subtle perlage (due to age)

• Viscous "legs" (La Croix) on the walls of the glass

Nose:

• Primary aromas: Dried apricots, honeycomb, candied citrus fruits

• Secondary aromas: marzipan, freshly baked brioche, yeast dough

• Tertiary flavours: Walnuts, hazelnuts, truffles, subtle sherry notes

• Minerality: Chalky undertones typical of champagne

Palate:

• Structure: Amazingly fresh at this age, creamy texture

• Acidity: Well integrated, gives the wine structure and longevity

• Flavour palette: Complex with notes of dried fruit, nuts and spices

• Finish: Extremely long lasting (60+ seconds), constantly evolving

Maturity development:
The 1959 has lost its youthful freshness, but offers unrivalled complexity. It is now at the peak of its development - a perfect balance between maturity and lively structure.

Ratings and reviews

Contemporary reviews

• Michael Broadbent (The Great Vintage Wine Book): ★★★★★ (5 stars) - "One of the great Dom Pérignon legends, still alive and fascinating"

• Richard Juhlin (Champagne expert): 96/100 points - "A revelation of how Champagne can age"

• Gault-Millau (1985): "A monument that has stood the test of time"

Current assessments

The 1959 is now regardedas the benchmark wine for aged Champagne. Its longevity disproves the prejudice that Champagne cannot age.

Specialities and rarity

Market situation

• Availability: Extremely limited, mainly at auctions or in private collections

• Price level: €1,000-3,000 per bottle, depending on:

  • Provenance and storage conditions

  • Fill level and capsule condition

  • Originality of the label and basket

• Auction records: Regularly achieves top prices with renowned auctioneers

Storage conditions

• Ideal storage: 10-12°C, 70-80% humidity, dark and vibration-free

• Risks: Many bottles suffer from:

  • Cork problems (dryness)

  • Oxidation

  • Colour changes

Tasting recommendations

Serving suggestions

1. Temperature: 12-14°C (not too cool to preserve flavours)

2. Glasses: Large Burgundy glasses or classic Champagne tulips

3. Decanting: Not necessary, but 15-30 minutes in the glass works wonderfully

4. Time: In the evening as a meditation wine, not as an aperitif

Suitable accompaniments

• Culinary: Lobster Thermidor, wild fowl with truffle, mature Comté cheese

• Occasion: Special anniversaries, historical events, collector's tastings

Comparison with other vintages

The 1959 is one of the three great DP vintages of the 1950s:

• 1955: Elegant, slightly lighter style

• 1959: Powerful, mature, complex (many experts consider it the best)

• 1961: Similar structure, but somewhat fresher

Compared to modern Dom Pérignon vintages, the 1959 appears

• Riper and nuttier

• Less fruit-driven

• More complex in the tertiary flavours

Authenticity test

Authenticity is crucial for such a rarity:

1. Capsule: Should show the characteristic metal capsule with embossing

2. Label: Patina commensurate with age, but legible

3. Basket: Original DP basket from the period

4. Fill level: For 50+ year old bottles: High Shoulder to Very High Shoulder acceptable

5. Provenance: Documented storage history preferable

Future potential

• Drinking window: Optimal now, stable for another 5-10 years if stored perfectly

• Development potential: No further improvement to be expected, but stabilisation possible

• Collector's value: Increasing, as the number of available bottles is continuously decreasing

Cultural significance

Dom Pérignon 1959 was served on numerous historic occasions:

• State banquets in the 1960s-70s

• Openings of important art exhibitions

• Private parties of the international elite

It represents an era in which champagne was still seen exclusively as a luxury product for special occasions, before globalisation and mass production set in.

Conclusion

The Moët & Chandon Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1959 is more than just a wine - it is a legendary icon of champagne culture, impressively demonstrating the ageing potential of great champagnes and offering a sensory experience that modern vintages cannot replace.

For collectors and connoisseurs, it represents a Holy Grail- a bottle not only embodies outstanding winemaking, but also a piece of living history. Every tasting is a journey into a bygone era of elegance and craftsmanship.

"A champagne that has stood the test of time and reminds us that true greatness is patient." - Anonymous sommelier

Note: For champagnes of this age, each bottle is unique. The characteristics described apply to optimally stored specimens. Tasting experiences may vary depending on the storage history.