The 2007 Dom Ruinart is the first vintage made entirely by Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaïotis, which shows just how long the production cycle is in Champagne. A striking, tightly-coiled wine, the 2007 Dom Ruinart will leave readers week at the knees. In this vintage, Panaïotis took Dom Ruinart, which has traditionally relied on a relatively high percentage of Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims and tilted the balance to 75% Côtes des Blancs and 25% Montagne de Reims fruit. As a result, the 2007 is much more chiseled and steely than is the norm. The citrus, slate, crushed rock, white pepper, mint and floral notes really sizzle in this powerful, dramatically rich Champagne, with bright saline notes that add freshness and vivacity to the striking finish. The 2007 is a stunning Champagne by any measure. Although it is very early, the 2007 has the potential to go down as one of the great Dom Ruinarts. It is every bit that special. Dosage is under 5 grams per liter, a pretty striking change from the 2006, which was closer to 10. Readers who can grab the 2007 won’t want to miss it.

Made of 80% Chardonnay (75% from Côte des Blancs grands crus and 25% from Montagne de Reims) and 20% Pinot Noir vinified as a red wine. Dom Ruinart 2007 offers a very pure, almost crystalline bouquet with raspberry, spices, strawberry, mint, and rose petal aromas. The palate possesses well-grained tannins, a perfectly balanced texture, and some energetic and sumptuous strawberry, mint and lemon aromas. Dosage: 5 g/l.

Disgorged in November 2017 with five grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs opens in the glass with a lively bouquet of citrus oil, warm bread, green apple and oyster shell, linden and beeswax. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, taut and chiseled, with a taut and concentrated core, racy acids and a long, chalky finish.