2010 Ruinart Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne [V97][D95][WA94]

Producer: Champagne Ruinart
Region: Champagne, France
Varietal: Chardonnay 
Year: 2010 

Vinous, 97 Points 

"The 2010 Dom Ruinart is truly epic. It’s also an eye-opening wine. And I do mean wine. Because the first impression is really of wine more than Champagne. The 2010 signals a major shift in philosophy, as Dom Ruinart is now aged entirely under cork (rather than crown seal) as it was back in the early 1960s. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint, crushed rocks and white pepper all race across the palate, announcing a Champagne of stature, breed and pure class. All the elements build as the 2010 crescendos into its intensely saline, mineral-drenched finish. The low dosage of 4 grams per liter is perfectly judged. I try to avoid the tired clichés that make comparisons with Burgundy, but it is impossible here. The best way I can describe the 2010 Dom Ruinart is that it tastes like a great Corton-Charlemagne with bubbles. Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis has poured his heart and soul into Ruinart since arriving in 2007. He richly deserves all the accolades he will surely garner for this masterpiece, an achievement that is made all the more notable by the challenges of the growing season. The 2010 Dom Ruinart is unreal. That’s all there is to it. Disgorged: 2020." 

Decanter, 95 Points 

"Delicate nutty expressions of blanched almonds and warm biscuits on the nose, accompanied by notes of lemon oil, spring flowers, pastry, pear and exotic fruit. A hint of reduction in the form of a smoky element, attributable to the fact that the cellar ageing of this Champagne was carried out under cork rather than with the usual crown cap. On the palate, this Champagne is medium- to full-bodied and well balanced, with good textural vinosity, but there is also delicacy thanks to its pinpoint mousse. There is a mouthwatering touch of bitterness on the long, resonating finish. This is a Champagne with real ageing potential that has both the powerful character and elegance of a Burgundy grand cru wine. 100% Chardonnay sourced from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Chouilly and Cramant (90%) and 10% from Sillery, situated in the northeast of the Montagne de Reims sector." 

Wine Advocate, 94 Points 

"The first vintage since the 1960s to see tirage under natural cork in lieu of crown caps, the 2010 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs was disgorged in November 2021. It's showing nicely, over-performing for the vintage, displaying aromas of yellow orchard fruit, toasted nuts, spices, smoke, dried white flowers and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with impressive concentration and chalky structure, it concludes with a long, saline finish." 

Alcohol: 12.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.