Indulge in Luxury: The Exceptional Dom Ruinart 2010 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Ruinart can lay claim to being the oldest established Champagne house, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart. They produce some of the finest champagnes in the world, and are especially renowned for their Blanc de Blancs. We are proud to say that for the first time in our history - albeit much shorter than Ruinart's - we have secured a small amount of their vintage Blancs de Blancs and the house's Prestige Cuvée - Dom Ruinart.
Dom Ruinart 2010 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, grown in the famous Côte des Blancs region of Champagne. The grapes are handpicked and then carefully selected to ensure only the best are used for this particular cuvée. The 2010 vintage was aged for 9 years on its lees, resulting in a more complex and textured Champagne.
When pouring the Champagne, you'll immediately notice its pale yellow colour and fine, delicate bubbles. On the nose, the champagne has a beautiful floral character and inviting notes of citrus, peach, and apricot. There are also pronounced autolytic characters, such as brioche and toast, thanks to the extended aging on the lees.
When tasting Dom Ruinart 2010 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, you'll be struck by its refined and elegant taste. The initial flavours are bright and refreshing, with a crisp acidity that's balanced by the slight sweetness of brioche. The marriage of zesty grapefruit, fleshy pear, and chalky minerality, as well as notes of honey and toasted almonds, results in a Champagne that is so complex, rich, and satisfying that you will want to savour every sip.
Vinous founder and writer Antonio Galloni gave Dom Ruinart 2010 Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut an exceptional 97+ points. He compares this particular Champagne to a Grand Cru white Burgundy, but with bubbles, confirming its place among the very best examples of Blanc de Blancs in the world.
"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 Panaiotis 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."
So there you have it; an exceptional champagne that's perfect for special occasions or for simply indulging in a luxurious treat. Its complex flavour profile and refined taste make it a standout example of the quality that can be achieved with the right combination of grapes, aging, and expert craftsmanship. If you're a fan of champagne, this is definitely one to try.