2002 Ruinart "Dom Ruinart" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
SKU #1084848
97 points
Vinous
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. (AG)
(3/2014)
96 points
Wine Spectator
Shows beautiful, lacy texture, weaving persistent and mouthwatering acidity with flavors of patisserie pear, dried apricot, almond paste, pickled ginger, acacia blossom and clover honey. This is underscored by a rich note of smoky minerality that rings out on the finish. *Collectibles* (AN)
(11/2013)
95 points
Int'l Wine Cellar
Bright yellow. Powerful smoke- and ginger-accented aromas of poached pear, honey and white flowers, along with a suave mineral overtone and a hint of toasted brioche. Sappy and buttery on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors underscored by a chalky mineral nuance. At once fleshy and energetic, finishing with outstanding clarity, thrust and smoky length. Cream-colored label, indicating a later disgorgement, in this case 2012, as opposed to the earlier disgorged black label version, which was disgorged in 2011. (JR, in Vinous)
(12/2014)
95 points
Wine & Spirits
Taking the masculine power of the 2002 vintage and running with it, this comes across as massive and powerful, all of its swagger suspended by a team of needling bubbles. Oak furthers the structural intensity, as does an almost tannic leesiness, wrapped in flavors that range from vanilla custard to fresh macadamia nut. The final impression is sumptuous, tasting enough like wild mushrooms and lobster to match a dish combining the two. For now, it’s best left to rest in the cellar.
(12/2013)
95 points
Wine Enthusiast
A superb, mature wine that is ripe, toasty and full of yellow- and white-fruit flavors. A fine balance brings up spice, an opulent texture, a taut edge of steel and a feeling that this fine wine is ready to drink. It can age, and it will be better over the next few years as its secondary aromas stay in balance with the fruitiness. *Cellar Selection, Best of Year 2013* (RV)
(12/2013)
94 points
Decanter
Dom Ruinart 2002 is a blessed creation with 72% Avize and Chouilly and more surprisingly 28% Chardonnay from Pinot villages like Sillery and Puisieulx. Painfully youthful but already completely harmonious. All the bits and pieces are there in small portions and time will make them stronger and deeper. (RJ)
(9/2014)
Jancis Robinson
Tasted blind. Pale gold. Less obvious nose than the Belle Epoque it was served with but it opened out and became broader. Very frothy and savoury. Some sweetness. I don’t immediately recognise this but I like the length. Very tense and tight. More obvious acidity than the Belle Epoque led me to wonder whether it was Lanson. 17.5/20 points (JR)
(10/2016)
K&L Notes
This vintage of Dom Ruinart is super balanced, elegant and deep, with an amazingly long finish. I tasted yellow fruits with generous pear, fresh cream and elegant bread dough flavors. Words can't express this wine's finesse. It is drinking very well now, but will age for 20 years or more. (Scott Beckerly, K&L San Francisco)
