Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006 (OCC 6)

Description

By Vinous in 2017 (AG97+)
The 2006 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut is simply fabulous. In most vintages, Dom Ruinart is a big, ample Champagne that shows the structure of the Montagne de Reims Chardonnay in the blend. The 2006 has plenty of textural resonance and richness, and yet I am also struck by its tension. Both bottles I tasted point to a Dom Ruinart that is quite a bit more polished and sophisticated than it often is at this stage.

By Wine Spectator in 2017 (WS97)
A statuesque Champagne, firm and finely knit, with a beautiful array of baked white peach, almond biscotti, pastry cream and crystallized honey flavors riding the silky mousse. A rich and smoky note of toasted brioche echoes on the chiseled finish. Drink now through 2031.

By Decanter in 2017 (ME95)
The Blanc de Blancs from the warm 2006 vintage, a year patronisingly rated by some as a ripe pleasure-giver, has a surprise in store. It has grip and backbone for a longer life than anyone thought it would. 2006 displayed extremes of a continental growing season: a very cold winter followed by a hot summer, complicated by a cool August and sunny September, then rain calling for fast picking. No surprise then that the hardier Chardonnay was the unsung saviour for non-oxidative winemaking. From 100% grand cru Chardonnay. Flowing bubbles and gorgeous aromas, inherently rich but with aristocratic poise akin to a fine Puligny Montrachet. Magically opulent yet with a firm grip and core, a vegetative structure in the best sense. Long, youthful finale. Disgorged January 2016.