Still a stunner, the 2002 Dom Ruinart is just as gorgeous as it has always been. Warm, toasty notes meld into apricots, succulent peaches, white flowers and spices in a rich, expansive Champagne that captures the essence of the year. The 2002 is pure, full-throttle opulence, yet all the elements are very much in balance. A creamy, resonant finish rounds things out in style. Multiple tastings have shown that the 2002 is shutting down in bottle, so my suggestion is to be patient. What a gorgeous wine this is. This bottle was disgorged in March 2012.
Deluxe Blanc de Blancs. Really lifted nose with a lovely silky texture. Despite the low dosage (6.5 g/l) there's a certain richness of fruit underneath. This is a very good vintage! Still extremely tight with lots more to give.
I had very high expectations for the 2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs Dom Ruinart and was not disappointed. Actually, that is an understatement. The 2002 is a flat-out great Dom Ruinart. It is as compelling as any Champagne I have ever tasted from the estate. Layers of sweet, perfumed fruit emerge with no end in this subtle, sexy Dom Ruinart. The 2002 vintage generally yielded big wines, and of course, a significant amount of the Chardonnay for Dom Ruinart comes from the Montagne de Reims, where the wines are richer and broader, yet those are truly mere details. The 2002 convinces for its superb overall balance and sheer personality. It possesses striking depth and an endless, eternal finish. I imagine the 2002 will enjoy a wide drinking window that will stretch out several decades. Truth is, its pretty special even today. This is Lot AGLDAD. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032.
