Champagne Brut Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2002 75cl

Shows beautiful, lacy texture, weaving persistent and mouthwatering acidity with flavors of patisserie pear, dried apricot, almond paste, pickled ginger, acacia blossom and clover honey. This is underscored by a rich note of smoky minerality that rings out on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 400 cases imported.

Close to 30% of the Chardonnay that as always (despite the absence of “blanc de blancs” from its label) dominates Ruinart’s prestige cuvee comes – specifically in the case of their 2002 Brut Dom Ruinart – from the northern Montagne de Reims, though the rest is from the Cote des Blancs (predominantly Avize and Chouilly). Hints of lees autolysis and heliotrope perfume cap a nose in which very ripe sickle pear predominates. Happily, an efficacious squirt of fresh lime lends refreshing and vivacious acidity to the pear on a lush and gently effervescent palate. Pungently struck-flint and iodine-like notes as well as hints of lightly toasted almond and hazelnut add allure to a generously fruity finish. This might well reward a couple of years’ bottle age, though its highly appealing present personality is very much tied up with freshness.