Dom Ruinart Rose 2002 (750ML)

96 WA / 95 VM / 95 WS / 95 JS / 95 DE / 17.5 JR

Disgorged in June 2014 with 5.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2002 Dom Ruinart Rosé includes 20% red Pinot Noir from Sillery and Verzenay. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of brioche, mirabelle plum, dried orange rind and fresh pastry, it's full-bodied, broad and gourmand, with a creamy mousse, delicate phenolic grip and excellent balance. This is one of the finest renditions of this cuvée that I've tasted. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Light, bright orange-pink. Heady mineral- and yeast-accented aromas of dried red berries, blood orange, buttered toast and tea rose. Densely packed and expansive on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry compote and floral pastille flavors and a smoky overtone that gains strength with aeration. The mineral quality comes back strong on the silky, focused finish, which goes on and on. An outstanding blend of power and finesse. Disgorged September, 2012. LAHTUAM. - Josh Reynolds, Vinous Media

This is subtle up front, with delicate aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit granita, pickled ginger, spun honey and biscuit. The smoky underpinning of minerality gains momentum, riding the lacy mousse to a fresh and persistent finish. Drink now through 2027. 92 cases imported. - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator

With a true "eye of partridge" nose, this has the boldness of the 2002 vintage and is unique in that the wine is based on 80% chardonnay as a top rosé Champagne. The aromas are floral with sweet decayed rose hip and a clear toasty edge showing through, as well as fine wild red fruits and some peach and stone fruits. There's a completely unique style here in terms of the chardonnay making a statement of gentle nougat, while some dried red berries lurk beneath. The palate has precise, sleeve-like long texture and is really focused and even. The freshness is startling, meanwhile, and this really looks very young and unevolved. There's some very gentle tannin in the mix here, adding nutty toasted hazelnut elements on the finish. Acidity is pronounced and, having the last say, keeps everything really fresh. Drink now. - James Suckling

Intense white pepper and oriental spices. - Michael Edwards, Decanter

Lovely ornate yeasty nose and a really rich, expressive and lengthy palate. Really benefits from the maturity. Delicious and noble. - RH, Jancis Robinson