1973 Dom Ruinart

The grape clusters were well set overall, with some variation between varieties. Flowering took place under excellent conditions; poor set and shatter was rare. Despite a few thunderstorms, the summer was very dry and sometimes hot, even to the point of scorching the grape skins. The harvest began on September 28th. Despite a late attack of botrytis, the grapes were quite healthy. Harvest: Baumé 9°3 GL – Total acidity 7.5 g/l H2SO4 – S/A 20.9 Chardonnay: Baumé 9°6 GL – Total acidity 7.4 g/l H2SO4 Yield: 11,221 kg/ha Assemblage: 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru, exclusively from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. Big crop. Deep coppery gold. Big and flowery and quite reminiscent of still Chardonnays of the 1970s on the nose. A little sweet and syrupy but perfectly nice to drink with lots of impact and acidity. Very clean, fresh finish. Bravo for lasting all this time! Just a little astringent on the finish. He suggests drinking this at the end of a meal. A bit simpler than the 1971. (JR)

The 1973 Dom Ruinart (original release) was fully resolved. Honey, roasted nuts and licorice emerged from this soft, creamy wine.