Dom Perignon Warhol Labels -Shiny or Paper

[Brad Baker]

In looking at how Dom Perignon released their 2002 (and 2000) Andy Warhol bottles, I'd be interested in hearing preferences and packaging differences for those who have bought them. As a background, Dom P. has released their Warhol bottles in two formats:
- Regular paper label but with Blue, Red, or Yellow coloring (appears to be initial launch intention as this was what the bottles looked like at initial announcement)
- Glossy label with silver lettering and Blue, Red, Emerald, Yellow, Violet, and Lilac label coloring
- I have only seen the 2000 with the colored paper label
I would be interested in seeing what packaging everyone has found the above label types in. I have only seen the colored regular paper packaging in the individual Warhol boxes and the glossy colored labels in the loose bottle Warhol 6 packs.

As an aside, I really like the glossy labels and don't quite get why they did both. Which do you prefer?

* Yes, the juice is the same in all the bottles of a particular vintage, but for the same price, I like the colored labels. Oh yeah 2002 DP is good stuff too and sales have been strong so price increases are coming.

[Jeff Leve]

Hi Brad... My bottles have flat labels. I would think the shiny labels would look great! I imagine they produce the labels in two styles for the same reason they have 3 different colored labels... Collectors will want to buy them all.

[Michael Allen]

I have the paper labels as well. At this stage, I prefer 1996 Dom over the 2002. Brad, which vintage of Dom do you prefer, 96 or 02? And as you more experience with Champagne than I do, how long would you wait before starting to open 1996 or 2002?

[Alan Zielinski]

I have the paper labels as well. At this stage, I prefer 1996 Dom over the 2002. Brad, which vintage of Dom do you prefer, 96 or 02? And as you more experience with Champagne than I do, how long would you wait before starting to open 1996 or 2002?

My preference over the last year has been 90 Dom. Drinking beautifully right now.

What LVMH is doing with the labels is purely marketing in attempt to sell more bottles. Jeff is 100% correct in his summation. The juice is the same, I didn't jump on the "label" wagon. I only care what is inside the bottle, not what the bottle looks like.

[Brad Baker]

Jeff,

I don't think it is a simple as simply wanting to make more varieties of labels for folks to chase after. They could have simply made 9 glossy or paper variations. The mix of glossy and paper is a bit of a head scratcher to me though I admit I have not asked LVMH or DP about it yet. At this point, I'm mainly trying to see what is where and in what type of packaging. It may not be useful info to most, but I tend to be curious.


Alan,

I also personally do not care about the label as the wine is what counts - I own a variety of regular label, paper Warhol label, and glossy Warhol label. I've not paid more for any of my Warhol labels though they do sell at a slight premium in most places. As stated above, I'm trying to gauge how the market is reacting to the labels and what folks are running into.

Michael,

I like the 96 DP more than the 02 DP for drinking today and tomorrow although both are very high in quality. The has more depth and fruit and acidity IMO. As for when to drink, you can pop them both now as they are enjoyable, but they will definitely have more to show in the future for my palate. If you are looking for minerality and citrus and zestiness, drink them young. If you are looking for creaminess and some bready flavor, try them around 20-25 years old. Wait until 30+ to get some coffee, vanilla, and dried fruits.

[Christer Byklum]

I found that most 96's was beautiful to drink even on release, but most 02 seems very shut down, and only starting to open now. Anyone else with that experience?

96 Lanson Gold Label is a beautiful Champagne for a good price.