1969 Dom Ruinart

Overall, early growth was not remarkable, although quite adequate for the Côte des Blancs grapevines, which had suffered from frost in 1968. Hot and cold periods alternated during flowering, provoking poor setting and shot berries in numerous crus. Frequent summer thunderstorms destroyed nearly 900 ha. The yield was reduced by a number of parasite attacks, but the superb weather from October 1st to 15th ensured the excellent quality of the harvested grapes. Harvest: Baumé 10°2 GL – Total acidity 9.4 g/l H2SO4 – S/A 18.2 Chardonnay: Baumé 10°5 GL – Total acidity 9.2 g/l H2SO4 Yield: 6,240 kg/ha Assemblage: 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru, exclusively from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The two oldest bottles in the Ruinart cellar. Still very good vivacity – rather florally perfumed and slightly sweet. Good bead. He points out that the condition of the wine proves the high quality of Champagne cellars. Certainly very tight and fresh. Sweet and flattering even if a little too sweet to be an easy food match, I would have thought. (JR)