Dom Ruinart Blanc De Blancs 2006 (750ML)

97+ AG / 97 WS / 96 WA / 95 JS / 95 DE

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. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

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. - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator

The 24th rendition of this cuvée since its debut with the 1969, the 2006 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is showing well, bursting with aromas of blanched almonds, confit citrus, fresh pastry, smoke and iodine. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with a broad attack but sappy balancing acids, the warm vintage making for a textural, vinous wine that nonetheless concludes with a chalky, precise finish. It was disgorged in October 2016 with a dosage of 4.5 grams per liter. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Exquisite, precise and powerful, with plenty of upfront appeal. This has a toasty edge to the nose with brioche and lemon citrus. The palate delivers a smoothly finished texture and sizzling acid finish. A bright, driving 2006. Drink now. - James Suckling

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. - Michael Edwards, Decanter