Tasting Dom Ruinart

1998 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs

Ruinart wines are defined by chardonnay. And while the Montagne de Reims is primarily planted to pinot noir, the chardonnay sourced from this region gives a uniquely structured profile. Pale gold in colour, the wine has an incredibly fine bead. Apple and creamy chardonnay aromas, highlighted by a stony minerality. Like Chablis. Lots of tension on the palate, fine but quite rigid. This is going to need years to round out.

1996 Dom Ruinart Rosé

Slightly tinted with pinot noir, but still very much a chardonnay wine. Copper in colour, more orange than red. Autumnal leaves, minerals, and a slight aroma of rose petals to remind you of the pinot noir lurking. Certainly tense and very linear. Restrained fruit, very reductive in style at this point. Almost a shame to be drinking now - not at all approachable, or indicative of its pedigree.

DF