Vilmart Brut Rosé Champagne Grand Cellier Rubis 2002

95-97 points Brad Baker (Champagne Warrior): "(40% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir; Rilly-la-Montagne; 50 year old vines from two vineyards; Aged a minimum of 10 months in new oak barrels; Red wine additionDisgorged October 2007; Production of less than 2,000 bottles). Vilmart made this wine in the 1997-2000 vintages, but skipped 2001 and 2003. As this wine has been spectacular since its inaugural vintage and is made in miniscule quantities, the 2002 came highly anticipated. It was worth the wait and is worth the time it takes hunting it down A beautiful nose of raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, and cherry captures your attention and leaves you swooning. The palate starts off with a burst of raspberry and strawberry and then quickly changes pace to give you a puff of spice and then a well structured dose of citrus. Flavors continue to flow as blueberries and cherry also enter the mix and lead into a finish that clamps down on you with slightly tannic berry skins. This wine is flat out sensational. You can drink it now or age it for quite a while. Imagine eating a handful of mixed berrieds spiced with cinnamon and allspice. Let the berry skins linger in your mouth at the end and give them a good chewing. That is what this wine is like – pure, fresh, fruit entertainment with a kick. (Jan 2009)"

96 points Wine & Spirits: "The beautiful, light shade of pink evolved from a saignée of pinot noir: This is elevated to a lively essence of grand cru Burgundy by the torque of chardonnay (40 percent of the blend). What that does is underscore the vibrant fraise de bois and rose scents with layers of citrus, nectarine and kumquat. The flavors are compressed and youthfully potent, yet the wine feels ethereal and bright. A great 2002, this has the balance and stamina for long aging. (Dec 2008)"

94 points Richard Juhlin (The Champagne Club) (Mar 2009).