469. Champagne Moët et Chandon, Dom Pérignon Vintage, 1998

£50; 12.5%

Picked 3 of these up from a departing MBA2007 on a fire sale. Was slightly nervous how the ‘98s would turn out, having tasted the 2000 at Farr Vintners’ annual tasting a couple of months earlier (a very ‘empty’ wine…), but needn’t have worried. Played its part fully as the prelude to a celebration dinner for 2 sets of exams done (my WSET Diploma finals and Katy’s MIMMS tests). Vivacious but very fine bead kept this alive, with developing aromatics of lemon with some toasty hints developing. A very beautifully balanced lemony acidity that showed grace and elegance, with a very delicate mousse. Long. Very nice – and still pleasant with breakfast…!