98pts Vinous

The 2010 Dom Ruinart is every bit as magnificent as it has always been. This bottle, from the first disgorgement, is tremendous. I especially admire its explosive intensity. Citrus peel, flowers, white pepper, chalk and slate all stain the palate. Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis turned out a masterpiece. The 2010 Dom Ruinart is quite simply one of the greatest wines made in Champagne over the last several decades. It's certainly one the finest young Champagnes I have ever tasted. Don't miss it!

95pts Wine Spectator

A mineral-driven Champagne, creamy and compact, this deftly meshes a layer of smoke, chalk and saline with detailed flavors of glazed apple and apricot, roasted hazelnut and ginger-infused pastry cream carried on a raw silky mousse. The fine texture softens the firm spine of chiseled acidity that structures the wine, and hints of white blossoms, Meyer lemon and oyster shell play on the finish.

95pts Wine Enthusiast

This is certainly a mature Champagne. With its ripe character, the dryness has softened to give richness, a beautiful nutty flavor while retaining acidity. A very fine Champagne, it is ready to drink now.

95pts Wilfred Wong

The 2010 Champagne Ruinart Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Extra Dry is about precision. This wine excels with aromas and flavors of wet stone, chalk, and savory spices. Pair it with steamed razor clams in a light black pepper and garlic broth. 

94pts James Suckling

Almost like a white, with a smoky and flinty nose. Dried lemons, cedar, smoked almonds, spiced apples, hazelnuts, salted butter and toast. Tangy and sharp, yet creamy and buttery, too, with fine bubbles. Hazelnuts at the end.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The first vintage since the 1960s to see tirage under natural cork in lieu of crown caps, the 2010 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs was disgorged in October 2022. It's showing nicely, over-performing for the vintage, displaying aromas of yellow orchard fruit, toasted nuts, spices, smoke, dried white flowers and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with impressive concentration and chalky structure, it concludes with a long, saline finish.

Tasting Notes

At first glance, the champagne looks golden yellow, with light greenish hues and a fine, persistent sparkle.

The first nose reveals a powdery, floral and mineral note evoking the chypre universe of perfumery. The second nose brings together toasted and spicy notes such as nutmeg mace, roasted hazelnut and almond, and a hint of coffee.

Fig leaf aromas mingle with notes of black tea and fresh spices in the mouth. A lingering fresh finish is elevated by an elegant bitterness.

Resident chef Valérie Radou and cellar master Frédéric Panaïotis recommend pairing this cuvée with spicy roast dishes such as Black Pork tenderloin, or with smoked or grilled fish or seafood such as smoked blue lobster.

Choose a tulip-shaped glass with a wide enough opening to express the aromatic complexity of the champagne and allow its bubbles to develop. It is also possible to use a white wine glass.

About the Bubbles

Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2010 is made exclusively from Grand Cru chardonnays, 90% of which are grown on the Côte des Blancs (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Chouilly and Cramant) and 10% on the Montagne de Reims (Sillery). This iconic grape variety reflects the rich diversity of terroirs in the Champagne region and is present in all Maison Ruinart’s cuvées. 

As part of its quest for excellence, the Maison works to enhance the Dom Ruinart ageing process and give its cuvées greater depth. Cellar Master Frédéric Panaïotis and his team decided to reintroduce the traditional cork drawing technique technique of ageing the wine under cork. This elegant material preserves aromatic freshness throughout the ageing process and replaces metal caps.

A choice that also involves the return of a century-old gesture: manual disgorgement. Upon tasting, the wine reveals an aromatic complexity with a freshness enhanced by a hint of bitterness.

Winery Description

Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the first established champagne house in the world, born from the ambition of Dom Ruinart’s true enlightened mind. His vision made him perceive before anyone else the potential of sparkling wines from the Champagne region. Each of Ruinart’s cuvées bears the distinctive signature of Chardonnay, the House’s emblematic grape variety. Elegance, refinement, purity, light and distinctive taste make Ruinart a timeless and modern icon.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is the emblem of the House, and it is the perfect expression of the Ruinart taste. It is comprised of 100% Chardonnay grapes grown primarily with Premiers Crus from the Côte de Blancs and Montagne de Reims terroirs, both prized for their aromatic finesse.