The 2013 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013 is sourced from Grands and Premier Cru chardonnay, 70% of which are grown on the Côte des Blancs (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Chouilly and Bergères-lès-Vertus) and 30% on the Montagne de Reims (Vernezay, Sillery, Taissy, Villers-Marmery) It is aged for at least nine years on the lees and disgorged by hand. This cuvée takes 12 years to craft to its completion.

Under the guidance of cellar master Frédéric Panaïotis, Maison Ruinart decided to revert to cork aging during the secondary fermentation and disgorging the bottles by hand. This allowed the champagne to achieve more aromatic freshness and complexity.
This is the second vintage of Dom Ruinart aged under cork. Having tasted the 2010 alongside the 2013 Dom Ruinart at the Maison, I have to acknowledge that both are masterful achievements and yet uniquely different. The 2013 Dom Ruinart reveals a brilliant straw yellow color with delicate greenish edges. It is light and airy with a persistent mousse. It distinguishes itself from the 2010 exhibiting an exuberant personality with a floral bouquet of freshly baked brioche and white peach blossoms. On the palate, it is savory and well defined with an emphasis on minerality and finely crushed chalk laden with caramelized yellow citrus fruits. It abounds with layers of freshness and textural complexities from start to finish. This flawless, youthful bottling has a long life ahead of it, yet is difficult to resist with each sip.

By W Peter Hoyne