Dom Ruinart 2007 re-tasted: How it looks now

Champagne house Ruinart has launched the latest vintage of its flagship Dom Ruinart, 2007...

Dom Ruinart 2007 is a 100% Chardonnay from grand cru vineyards, in keeping with tradition for the cuvée.

Its typical style is one of exhilarating stony liveliness that comes from great Chardonnay; intense, pure and structured. The hint of chalk, flint and oyster shells – like Chablis – is never far away, and there’s a touch of smoky white tobacco.

As a reductive, non-oxidative Champagne with no oak, the ageing potential is exceptional – easily 20-plus years.

The 2007 vintage blend draws on 75% from the Côte des Blancs (Chouilly, Le Mesnil, Oger and Avize) and 25% from the northern slopes of Montagne de Reims (predominantly Sillery and Verzenay). The dosage has increased slightly, rising from 4.4g/l in 2006 to 5g/l in 2007.

The 2007 vintage

Dom Ruinart 2007 is an extraordinary vintage made for grand terroirs.

After a sunny and very warm spring, the months of June and July were overcast, with a lot of rain. August felt like a damp November, but brightened up towards the end of the month when a north wind blew, restoring the grapes to health.

The 2007 harvest began around 23 August – an unprecedented fifth time so far this century it has begun so early (2003, 2005, 2007, 2015 and 2018) owing to increased warming in the region.

If this trend continues, what will Champagne taste like in 20 years’ time?

Critically, growers and houses who waited until the first week of September under a returning sun will have made the best wines.

Michael’s Dom Ruinart 2007 tasting note:

• See our tasting note for Dom Ruinart 2006 here

Ruinart is owned by Moët Hennessy, a division of luxury goods group LVMH.

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