Krug Lunch (7x GC, 7x Vintage, 3x CdM, 1x CdA)
Tasted Wednesday, November 23, 2022 by Cailles with 267 views
Introduction
Wonderful Krug tasting organized by Champagne King D.B. @ Memories in Bad Ragaz.
All wines tasted non-blind (and mostly presented in vintage flights, not in the order I have it here).
NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Edition 157eme 95 Points
France, Champagne
Seven Grand Cuvees: 157, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169 and 170th. No surprise that the better base vintages showed best. The 157th (95 pts) showed most round and complete due to the extended age. The 164 (95 pts), 168 and 169th (both 94+ pts) all show good substance and superb acidic spine for graceful ageing. The 164th, from magnum, has an elegance to it which is above all others. The 170th (90pts), 167th (92 pts) and 163th (93+ pts) seem a bit leaner compared to the others and not all of them will be very long-lived iterations. But this tasting showed clearly, that even the lesser vintages of Grand Cuvees easily need minimum 10 years after disgorgement to start to truly shine.
TN: This drinks very well today, well-rounded and with intricate toasty, nutty and bakery aromas but still with superb citrus freshness and a fresh fruit core as well as a balancing mineral backbone. Expressive from the first sniff towards the long finish. Good mid palate weight and very harmonious with fine mousse but good tension. The complete package and certainly an iteration that will continue to gracefully age for another decade or two, or three.
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NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Edition 163eme 93 Points
France, Champagne
Seven Grand Cuvees: 157, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169 and 170th. No surprise that the better base vintages showed best. The 157th (95 pts) showed most round and complete due to the extended age. The 164 (95 pts), 168 and 169th (both 94+ pts) all show good substance and superb acidic spine for graceful ageing. The 164th, from magnum, has an elegance to it which is above all others. The 170th (90pts), 167th (92 pts) and 163th (93+ pts) seem a bit leaner compared to the others and not all of them will be very long-lived iterations. But this tasting showed clearly, that even the lesser vintages of Grand Cuvees easily need minimum 10 years after disgorgement to start to truly shine.
TN: This is in a beautiful first stage of maturity with an expressive nose and palate, good mid palate density with toasty and bakery notes, some riper yellow fruit and a citrus spine. A tad short but overall a very pleasant 93+ pts experience. Quite balanced. My guess is that this will reach it’s peak rather sooner than later but it still needs a few more years to further become a bit rounder, finer and creamier.
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NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Edition 164eme 95 Points
France, Champagne
Seven Grand Cuvees: 157, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169 and 170th. No surprise that the better base vintages showed best. The 157th (95 pts) showed most round and complete due to the extended age. The 164 (95 pts), 168 and 169th (both 94+ pts) all show good substance and superb acidic spine for graceful ageing. The 164th, from magnum, has an elegance to it which is above all others. The 170th (90pts), 167th (92 pts) and 163th (93+ pts) seem a bit leaner compared to the others and not all of them will be very long-lived iterations. But this tasting showed clearly, that even the lesser vintages of Grand Cuvees easily need minimum 10 years after disgorgement to start to truly shine.
TN: From magnum. Better than a bottle a few years back. Needs certainly more time in the cellar gain palate weight and complexity but drinks so well today with the highlight being the intriguing nose and the enchanting overall elegance. Expressive, noble nose displaying a beautiful buttery, brioche, nutty notes and citrus. Very harmonious, precise and inviting. On the palate it shows less mature, still driven mainly by the fresh citrus core, sea shell minerality, flinty notes, nutty aromas, some buttery notes. Light and ethereal but with all the intensity needed. Very fine mousse, high but round acidity, very elegant and harmonious from start to finish.
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NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Edition 167eme 92 Points
France, Champagne
Seven Grand Cuvees: 157, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169 and 170th. No surprise that the better base vintages showed best. The 157th (95 pts) showed most round and complete due to the extended age. The 164 (95 pts), 168 and 169th (both 94+ pts) all show good substance and superb acidic spine for graceful ageing. The 164th, from magnum, has an elegance to it which is above all others. The 170th (90pts), 167th (92 pts) and 163th (93+ pts) seem a bit leaner compared to the others and not all of them will be very long-lived iterations. But this tasting showed clearly, that even the lesser vintages of Grand Cuvees easily need minimum 10 years after disgorgement to start to truly shine.
TN: Medium expressive, citrus and toast-driven nose. On the palate expressive bright citrus fruit, yellow orchard fruits, apples, some toasty notes, a bit buttery notes. Very fresh but already well rounded and harmonious. Probably a bit too fruity but a very decent, elegant Champagne from start to finish. This is probably a bit riper than I would like my Champagnes to be and the minerality component and acidity backbone seem not strong enough, to balance it out. Still a good wine, that will gain of a few more years of cellaring.
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NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Édition 168ème 94 Points
France, Champagne
Seven Grand Cuvees: 157, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169 and 170th. No surprise that the better base vintages showed best. The 157th (95 pts) showed most round and complete due to the extended age. The 164 (95 pts), 168 and 169th (both 94+ pts) all show good substance and superb acidic spine for graceful ageing. The 164th, from magnum, has an elegance to it which is above all others. The 170th (90pts), 167th (92 pts) and 163th (93+ pts) seem a bit leaner compared to the others and not all of them will be very long-lived iterations. But this tasting showed clearly, that even the lesser vintages of Grand Cuvees easily need minimum 10 years after disgorgement to start to truly shine.
TN: Not overly expressive nose. Only with time some hints of citrus and minerality shine through. More open on the palate. All about the citrus fruit in the center, seasalt minerality, some nutty hints. With time full blown nutty, buttery aromas complementing the picture. Already layered and with very high precision. Very round and harmonious but with the acidity still quite pronounced Fine mousse. All in all, quite promising, with good substance and a structural frame and this ultra high energy for long ageing. 94 pts today with more upside in the future.
Decanting: This needs a bit of air.
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NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvee Edition 169eme 94 Points
France, Champagne
Seven Grand Cuvees: 157, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169 and 170th. No surprise that the better base vintages showed best. The 157th (95 pts) showed most round and complete due to the extended age. The 164 (95 pts), 168 and 169th (both 94+ pts) all show good substance and superb acidic spine for graceful ageing. The 164th, from magnum, has an elegance to it which is above all others. The 170th (90pts), 167th (92 pts) and 163th (93+ pts) seem a bit leaner compared to the others and not all of them will be very long-lived iterations. But this tasting showed clearly, that even the lesser vintages of Grand Cuvees easily need minimum 10 years after disgorgement to start to truly shine.
TN: Not overly expressive nose. Some more but still shy aromas emerging from the glass with time. Would have benefitted from decanting. On the palate this is beautifully nutty and minerality driven. The citrus core is pronounced but better balanced than in the even more energetic 168eme. Some very nice backpalate action with toasty and nutty notes which give a good balance. Overall a beautiful wine with good substance and an impeccable frame. Will be great in 10 years.
Decanting: This needs a bit of air.
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NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée Edition 170ème 90 Points
France, Champagne
Seven Grand Cuvees: 157, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169 and 170th. No surprise that the better base vintages showed best. The 157th (95 pts) showed most round and complete due to the extended age. The 164 (95 pts), 168 and 169th (both 94+ pts) all show good substance and superb acidic spine for graceful ageing. The 164th, from magnum, has an elegance to it which is above all others. The 170th (90pts), 167th (92 pts) and 163th (93+ pts) seem a bit leaner compared to the others and not all of them will be very long-lived iterations. But this tasting showed clearly, that even the lesser vintages of Grand Cuvees easily need minimum 10 years after disgorgement to start to truly shine.
TN: Not very expressive nose. Open on the palate, with citrus but acidity driven. Not much complexity yet. Not as round as the others but could develop into something nice as the palate fills out with age. Not on the level of the 169th and 168th and the citrusy acidity is all dominating today.
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1988 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut Collection 88 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Fresh and citrusy with some herbal and sherry aromas on the nose. On the palate still loads of energy, but sherry notes together with citrus, fresh orcharchd, apple and minerality. Seems very young structure wise but old with all the sherry notes. Really not my style of Champagne as I can't stand sherry notes (and the reception in the room was not that great either) but well constructed, incredibly elegant.
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1995 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 94 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Intriguing briochy nose. Very round and creamy texture, elegant and light with a good weight. Very nice and textured, chiseled and toasty, missing a touch of freshness or rather tension. Certainly at its peak and best today. Drink up.
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1996 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 98 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Intense, superb toasty and nutty nose, so much brioche and butter, minerality and still citrus freshness. On the palate cery fresh, with so much energy and freshness, lots of citrus and then so much toasty and caramel notes, brioche and nuts. An impressive mineral spine. Still has years to go. So much tension and energy from start to finish. So layered and highly precise. Wow. 98+
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1998 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 92 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Magnum vs normal bottle of the 1998. The magnum showed expressive from the start to finish, fresh, round with lots of tertiary coffee, caramel, brioche and nutty aromas along with a citrus spine and good freshness. The 75cl showed more evolved, with less tension and energy with aked apple, but also fresh citrus, wet rocks, but not with the complexity or weight of the magnum. Still very solid.
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1998 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 94 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Magnum vs normal bottle of the 1998. The magnum showed expressive from the start to finish, fresh, round with lots of tertiary coffee, caramel, brioche and nutty aromas along with a citrus spine and good freshness. The 75cl showed more evolved, with less tension and energy with aked apple, but also fresh citrus, wet rocks, but not with the complexity or weight of the magnum. Still very solid.
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2002 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 97 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Expressive beautiful nose full nutty notes, some toffee, minerality and hints of citrus. On the palate wonderful round and harmonious, toffe, nutty, brioche, citrus and slate. Complex and round, still fresh and young but slowly getting there with nice tertiary aromas taking over. Amazing to drink, so layered and elegant, long and complete. Wow!
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2004 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 96 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Medium+ expressive nose with citrus and yellwon fruit core with nutty notes. All still a bit shy. On the palate intense, round, creamy and harmonious. Fully expressive from the start to the long finish. Good weight with citrus, minerality, herbs, bakery and nutty aromas. Nicely complex already. Overall a great showing and close to peak (probably in 5 years). Fantastic
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2008 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 92 Points
France, Champagne
Seven vintages of Krug from 1988 to 2008. Consensus winner was the 1996 (98pts) with an unmatched layerdness and elegance. The 2002 (97pts) has equal features but doesn‘t have that extra 6 years of maturity. The 2004 (96pts) outperformed expectations, round and harmonious, beautiful first window of maturity. The 1998 was better from magnum (94pts) than 75cl (92pts) but is a leaner vintage. The 1995 (94pts) is fully mature and beautifully expressive. The two disappointments were a very lean 2008 (92pts) and a very elegant 1988 Collection (88pts) which, unfortunately, had too much sherry notes.
TN: Slightly off nose. On the palate superbly fresh, round, good weight on the attack but than fizzling out towards the mid palate. Citrus aromas, minerality, not much nutty/toasty notes yet. Very fresh and lots of acidity and well-rounded. Overall, not the best impression. Muted/off nose + quite lean palate. I doubt this will ever achieve the greatness of the 2002 or 1996 vintage. However, others who had it before, noticed an improvement here
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2002 Krug Champagne Clos du Mesnil 97 Points
France, Champagne
2008, 2004, 2002 Clos du Mesnil. All three showed their greatness but the 2008 and 2004 (both rated 94pts) were far to young to be enjoyed today, very much driven by the citrus core and high acidity. The contrast from the depth and impeccable structure of to the 08 CdM vs the mediocre vintage 08 is striking. The 2002 (97pts) was one of the wines of the tasting, showed a touch more mature than the others, more harmonious and balanced, creamy and incredibly layered. A masterpiece in the making which will at least need another 10 to 25 years to get to absolute glory.
TN: Expressie toasty, buttery nose with cotrus. On the palate and explosion of citrus, yellow fruit, minerality, herbs, piercing but round acidity, superbly hatmonious and with slowly emerging toasty and brioche notes. Wow, with time more round, more expressive, superb, extreme velevty yet fresh, so round and perfect. Citrus brioche and nutty mix with lots of butter.
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2004 Krug Champagne Clos du Mesnil 94 Points
France, Champagne
2008, 2004, 2002 Clos du Mesnil. All three showed their greatness but the 2008 and 2004 (both rated 94pts) were far to young to be enjoyed today, very much driven by the citrus core and high acidity. The contrast from the depth and impeccable structure of to the 08 CdM vs the mediocre vintage 08 is striking. The 2002 (97pts) was one of the wines of the tasting, showed a touch more mature than the others, more harmonious and balanced, creamy and incredibly layered. A masterpiece in the making which will at least need another 10 to 25 years to get to absolute glory.
TN: On the palate very expressive, round and creamy. Good, round but intense acidic backbone. Fine citrus, yellow fruit, herbs, minerality, lots of and brioche and buttery aromas. Very good, very round. Very promising. But not yet complex. All just citrus and loads and loads of salty minerlaity.
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2008 Krug Champagne Clos du Mesnil 94 Points
France, Champagne
2008, 2004, 2002 Clos du Mesnil. All three showed their greatness but the 2008 and 2004 (both rated 94pts) were far to young to be enjoyed today, very much driven by the citrus core and high acidity. The contrast from the depth and impeccable structure of to the 08 CdM vs the mediocre vintage 08 is striking. The 2002 (97pts) was one of the wines of the tasting, showed a touch more mature than the others, more harmonious and balanced, creamy and incredibly layered. A masterpiece in the making which will at least need another 10 to 25 years to get to absolute glory.
TN: Intense, expressive citrus notes, very energetic, some minerality hints and just a touch of bakery aromas. On the palate bright citrus notes, layers and layers of minerality, just hints nutty notes. Very bright and fresh with a piercing acidity, balanced by a touch of creaminess. Overall round and harmonious but very young and all about energy and potential today.
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1996 Krug Champagne Clos d'Ambonnay 93 Points
France, Champagne
The CdA was pleasent but paled in comparison to the other wines around it (mainly the 96 vintage in the same flight). The elegance and finesse are up there with the best wines but the complexity is not on the same level. but this is still young.
TN: Not much expression on the nose. On the palate incredibly intense and round. Superbly defined berries, minerality, so intense and the most intense fruit of all the wines of the tasting. So full of fresh fruit, and full of tension. All about the potential. Incredibly young today, 93pts, but potential is certainly for 95+ pts. At this point, it misses the openness and charm, the tertiary aroma seductiveness of many other wines we had.
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