2009 Dom Ruinart Rose, Champagne

Disgorged in August 2018 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is another standout in this cuvée’s lineage. It soars from the glass with a deep bouquet of blood orange, blackberry, Sichuan pepper and red blossoms, mingling with accents of cacao nibs and pastry. On the palate, it is full-bodied, vinous and muscular, with superb concentration and a luscious fruit core enlivened by a pillowy mousse and lively acidity that carries it to a long, perfumed finish where Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves gracefully. At once harmonious and seductive, the blend is composed of 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ vinified as red wine, with the remainder Chardonnay sourced from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Sillery. Harvested in the latter part of September, this marks the final vintage matured under crown cap before the house’s transition to cork.

97 points Kristaps Karklins, The Wine Advocate

Here's a rosé champagne for lovers of mature red Burgundy! It's pretty amazing how this manages to combine earthy and spicy notes with delicate raspberry fruit, the extra dimension that the very fine mousse and chalky acidity of top champagne adds. Very complex long finish. Drink or hold.

95 points James Suckling

Some Champagnes are made for celebrations, while others are celebrations in themselves. Dom Ruinart Rosé belongs firmly in the latter category. Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest established Champagne house, renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay and beautifully elegant wines. Named in honour of Dom Thierry Ruinart, the Benedictine monk whose vision inspired the family, this prestigious cuvée represents the pinnacle of the house's rosé production. Cellar master Frédéric Panaïotis has played an important role in refining its distinctive character.

The warm, generous 2009 vintage produced beautifully ripe fruit, giving this exceptional Champagne remarkable depth and richness. Chardonnay forms the foundation of the blend, complemented by Pinot Noir, including a proportion vinified as red wine to provide colour, structure and aromatic complexity. Extended ageing in Ruinart's historic chalk cellars has created a wonderfully sophisticated Champagne with impressive maturity and freshness.

Luminous copper pink with delicate amber reflections and a fine, persistent mousse. Wild strawberry, raspberry preserve and blood orange mingle with dried rose petals, toasted brioche, gingerbread and roasted hazelnut. The palate is beautifully textured, with silky bubbles, ripe red fruit and refreshing citrus acidity. Hints of dried apricot, warm spice and chalk contribute to an exceptionally long, elegant finish, where mature savoury notes meet lingering fruit.

A magnificent Champagne for an unforgettable dinner. Think roast duck with cherries and five spice, delicate crab dumplings with ginger and coriander, or seared tuna with sesame and ponzu. A golden wild mushroom and truffle tart would also be rather wonderful.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2035+. Already displaying beautiful maturity, although well stored bottles should continue developing greater savoury complexity over the coming years.