1985 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Cuvee 250 Anniversary

This vintage was marked by devastating winter frosts after an exceptional wave of cold, followed by spring frosts that further reduced an already limited harvest. The summer, in particular the superb end of season, rewarded the vinegrowers' efforts with a perfect harvest in terms of ripeness and health of the fruit. Harvest: Baumé 9°9 GL – Total acidity 8.7 g/l H2SO4 – S/A 15.4 Chardonnay: Baumé 9°8 GL – Total acidity 8.4 g/l H2SO4 Declared yield: 6821 kg/ha Assemblage: 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru, 75% from the Côte des Blancs (Cramant, Avize and Le Mesnil) and 25% from the Montagne de Reims (mostly Sillery). First vintage of new winemaker. Mainly Côte des Blancs fruit because the Montagne de Reims was badly frosted. Firm gold, not nearly as deep as the 1986. Complete, fully evolved nose. MUCH more youthful nose than the 1986. Well knit and well balanced. Fully mature with quite deep, tertiary aromas. Solid food wine but very well balanced. Creamy. Long. Well done! (JR)