Cellar Favorite: 1971 Dom Ruinart

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Dom Ruinart flies under the radar relative to many of its
peers, but it is one of the most compelling Champagnes in the market. Among
Blanc de Blancs, Dom Ruinart is distinguished by the significant presence of
Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims, which gives the wine its broad shoulders
and a level of textural resonance that is quite different from the more mineral
and citrus-driven style of other Blanc de Blancs tête de cuvées such as Clos du Mesnil, Salon and
Comtes de Champagne. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to taste many vintages
of Dom Ruinart, but this recent bottle of the 1971 is quite possibly the most
riveting, vivid Dom Ruinart I have ever come across, especially given how
exquisitely it has aged. 

<img alt="" src="http://"><img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1504597153377-1971DomRuinart+copy.jpeg"> 

The 1971 Dom Ruinart
is simply off the charts. A classic Dom Ruinart built on volume and breadth,
the 1971 is arrestingly beautiful. Ash, dried apricot, dried flowers, graphite
and honey are some of the many sensations that emerge as this stunning, vinous
Champagne shows off its pedigree and allure. Gently mellowed by age and yet
remarkably fresh, the 1971 halts all conversation at the table. It is the kind
of wine that demands total attention. Even with all of its obvious intensity,
the 1971 remains delineated, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced. Frost, hail, a
difficult flowering and a hot summer combined to produce rich, powerful
Champagnes, the best of which are still fabulous. Impeccably stored bottles,
such as this one, show no real signs of fading. What a wine! 97/Drink 2017-2027.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="http://vinous.com/wines?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;search-filter=reviews&amp;query=dom+ruinart">See
all vintages of Dom Ruinart in the Vinous database</a>

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