Krug - Vintage - Brut
95 points - The Wine Advocate
94 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
90 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
98 points - The Wine Advocate
94 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
Krug - Vintage - Brut
95 points - The Wine Advocate
94 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
90 points - The Wine Advocate
97 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
98 points - The Wine Advocate
94 points - The Wine Advocate
95 points - The Wine Advocate
Regular price€468.48
€468.48
/
- In stock
- Inventory on the way
The 2011 Krug is a singular, distinctive vintage at this address. Revealing aromas of lemon, confit citrus, dried herbs, hazelnuts, pear and ripe orchard fruits mingled with spices, it's medium to full-bodied, round and dense, with a phenolic, singular entry and a structured, almost tannic but elegant mid-palate framed by a fleshy core of fruit.
It has a pinpoint mousse and a long, mineral and saline finish enhanced by a lot of chalky dry extracts. Compared to previous vintages, which were tauter and more incisive, this rendition is more austere, ageing gracefully into a Champagne of understated elegance and revealed austerity.
Tasted at the cellars in Reims, this bottle ranked among the finest encountered to date. However, when compared to the chiseled muscularity of the Clos du Mesnil and the complexity and plenitude of the 164ème Édition of Grande Cuvée, the vintage itself appears less compelling and complete. It presents aromas of citrus oil, freshly baked bread, orange zest, dried white flowers, and a subtle hint of buttered toast. Medium to full-bodied, racy, and saline, it features a delicate, pinpoint mousse and a tightly wound core. The question remains whether time will allow it to unfurl, revealing greater mid-palate volume and authority, or if it will remain a relatively lean and understated vintage for Krug.
As previously noted upon its release, Krug's 2006 Brut stands as one of the vintage's highlights. It reveals aromas of dried fruits, pear, freshly baked bread, caramelized apples, honeycomb, and toasted sourdough. Full-bodied, deep, and layered, it showcases superb concentration, racy acidity, and a remarkably tightly wound profile for such an expressive vintage. Initially observed as surprisingly reserved for 2006, this characteristic has become even more apparent over time. While many Champagnes from this vintage may be at their best in their youthful exuberance, this particular wine is unquestionably crafted for long-term ageing.
Combining subtleness with complexity, the coolish Krug 2004 Brut opens with a highly elegant, fascinatingly clear, bright and refreshing bouquet of ripe (apple) fruits. Dense and round, with a delicate mineral soul, the pure but perfectly balanced 2004 reveals great finesse and weightless elegance with a long and round finish. This is a gorgeous Krug vintage that is 14 years old but still on the rise.
The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah (13.6% natural alcohol). A more pigmented dense ruby/purple color is followed by classic notes of cassis, black cherries, spice box and cedary fruit. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins, a fleshy, seductive mouth-feel and a good finish, this wine is close to full maturity, but will easily last another 12-15 years. Its balance, purity and overall equilibrium are impressive.
Krug's 2002 Brut has an intense citrus colour and opens with a generous, intense yet fine and precise bouquet that indicates great depth and elegance. Red fruit flavours on the nose lead to a generously rich yet pure, highly refined and elegant palate, with lots of ripe cherry fruits and delicious yeasty flavours. This is a highly complex and tensioned but beautifully balanced 2002 with a charming dosage that gives perfect roundness. The finish, however, is clear, fresh and well-structured, if not taut, and very mineral.
The Krug vintage 2000 Brut smells strikingly redolent of sea breeze, kelp, and piles of oyster and mussel shells, allied to lemon oil and toasted hazelnuts. On the palate, the aforementioned elements serve for compulsive salivation, while a lusciously juicy amalgam of lime, grapefruit and apple tinged with piquancy of their pips buoys the salty wave of mineral matter into a profoundly protracted finish that bursts with brightness and at the same time reveals mouthwateringly savory crab shell reduction and a hitherto largely hidden dark side of smoky Latakia tobacco, dark-roasted coffee, and toasted grains.
Krug's 1998 Brut Vintage is an excellent choice for drinking today, as the classic Krug style is rich, alive and vivid. Honey, almonds, smoke, graphite and dried apricots are some of the many aromas and flavours found in this rich, enveloping Champagne. A wine of texture and depth, the 1998 impresses for its vinous personality and terrific balance. Lively veins of underlying acidity suggest the 1998 will drink well for many years to follow.
The real surprise among Krug’s 1996s is the 1996 Vintage, which is drinking beautifully, even among this rarified air of single-vineyard Champagnes. The 1996 Vintage is explosive and creamy, with just the right balance of power, richness and freshness.
The mousse is perhaps just a touch less refined than in the 1996 Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay, but it is also perfectly measured with the wine’s exuberant personality. This multi-dimensional, textured Champagne is in the early part of its drinking window and promises to deliver an incredible drinking experience over the coming decades.
The takeaway from this flight of 1996s from Krug is simple. Although the 1996 Vintage can’t possibly be described as inexpensive, it shows exceptionally well next to its much more expensive brethren and clearly delivers a similar level of quality. It is a gem.
Mint, dried flowers, truffles and bright fruit are some of the nuances that flow from this precise, focused Champagne. The vibrant, refreshing finish makes it impossible to resist a second taste. Among recent vintages, 1996 has rightly received a ton of attention here, while 1995 is likely to remain an insider’s wine that is available at more favourable pricing.
At its finest, the 1990 Vintage is superb, revealing a slightly oxidized style, but a full-bodied, rustic, rich personality with the body of a red wine, but loads of character.
Type: |
Sparkling |
Country: |
France |
Region: |
Champagne |
Appellation: |
Champagne |
Producer: |
Krug |
Grapes/Blend: |
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier |
Style: |
Brut |
Serving temp: |
6° - 8° C |
ABV: |
12.5% |
Pairing Sugesstions: |
Shellfish, Lobster, Sushi and Sashimi, Tapas and Small Plates, Citrus-Based Dishes, Berries and Fresh Fruits, Cakes |
Local Delivery
We have a fleet of vans that deliver throughout the French and Italian Riviera, rates calculated based on distance at cart stage. Option to book time and date.
For deliveries further afield, please call for a quote: +33 4 65 84 99 51
France / Monaco
1 - 2 working days delivery in France, for orders placed before 2pm.
Options for couriers and drop off points available at checkout.
EU - Mainland
1 - 3 day delivery throughout mainland EU, for orders placed before 2pm. Allow an extra day for islands.
Options for couriers and drop off points available at checkout.
Rest of the World
Please call for a quote: +33 4 65 84 99 51
