Ruinart : Dom Ruinart 2002

Wine Advocate-Parker :
Close to 30% of the Chardonnay that as always (despite the absence of blanc de blancs from its label) dominates Ruinart's prestige cuvee comes - specifically in the case of their 2002 Brut Dom Ruinart - from the northern Montagne de Reims, though the rest is from the Cote des Blancs (predominantly Avize and Chouilly). Hints of lees autolysis and heliotrope perfume cap a nose in which very ripe sickle pear predominates. Happily, an efficacious squirt of fresh lime lends refreshing and vivacious acidity to the pear on a lush and gently effervescent palate. Pungently struck-flint and iodine-like notes as well as hints of lightly toasted almond and hazelnut add allure to a generously fruity finish. This might well reward a couple of years' bottle age, though its highly appealing present personality is very much tied up with freshness.