Dom Ruinart Champagne Extra Brut Blanc De Blancs 2013

Dom Ruinart 2013 is the prestige cuvée of the oldest Champagne house, a 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs that spent nine years on the lees and was finished Extra Brut for maximum chalk and tension.

The blend is entirely Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards, mostly in the Côte des Blancs with a share from the Montagne de Reims. Cellar master Frédéric Panaïotis skipped the 2008 and 2012 vintages as too austere, and chose 2013, a late, cool-ripening year that gave him the balance and depth he wanted, describing the result as "more Chablis than Meursault." Antonio Galloni awarded it 96 points in Vinous, praising its "textural elegance and mineral intensity" and calling it "very expressive from the outset yet unquestionably built for long aging." Lemon zest, bergamot, grapefruit and white flowers lead into a taut, mineral palate and a long, fine finish. Drink now through 2040. 750 ml, 12.5% ABV.