1998 Dom Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs

Champagne from 1998 has, over the last couple of years, been re-appraised in an upwards direction. What was always seen as very good year is now regarded as excellent. The wines are ripe, not overly ripe, fleshy but with structure to repay cellaring. Dom Ruinart have produced one of the very best.

Elegance abounds, the nose is of citric fruit with notes of freshly cut bread and Spring flowers to the fore. On the palate the wine is long, its stone fruit beautifully balanced by hints of bergamot and honey. Finesse with quiet power, this is an archetype of Grand Cru Chardonnay from the very best vineyards of the Côte Des Blancs.