On the more advanced and oxidative end of the spectrum, not in line with previous 96-point encounters. Now, this was still pleasantly drinkable with lots in the way of caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc., but lacking that blanc de blanc cream and fresh white and yellow fruit. Interestingly has seemingly very high acid. Deep gold colour in the glass. Pristine bottle in tissue paper from OWC.
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This wine feels like it's passed it's peak. While there's still some effervescence on initial open and pour, what remains is very soft and subtle in the mouth. Deep yellow color in the glass. Still shows lovely tart lemon/citrus notes, good acidity to keep things crisp, and that classic "aged-Champagne" yeastiness pairing with a long finish. A very enjoyable wine experience still, but probably one that would have been even better 5-10 years ago.
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blind I guessed CdM 1985, later on fresher and fruitier. Typical CdM perfume and density. Some lemon peel, almonds and exotic fruits. Close to his peak. NO hurry but I think it won't be better. 97-98
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Wine Workshop: Clos du Mesnil vertical (Atera - 77 Worth Street in NYC): Again a bit more developed in style. Can tell the warmer years in this wine which I understand is in a Clos which tends to hold heat in well anyway. This was a bit more spice notes and then kindof a sour apple style. Drinks very nicely.
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Upfront it’s got an almond nuttiness, with tropical fruit and honey on the nose. Palate is initially quite ripe, but with air it unfurls into honied tropical fruit notes, mixed with electric acidity. Style is oxidative but wine is focused. Can’t think of anything more you’d want in a bottle of champagne. Brilliant.
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An excellent bottle with only a small degree of the oxidative style. Relatively open knit and ripe. Has terrific yellow apple fruit. Has good maturity with almond and toasted nuts but overall is still clean and bright. I preferred this to the ‘96 tonight although that wine will surely catch up. Very fresh and good example.
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Regal top quality evident from the first whiff, Montrachet-like honey aroma, palate gives secondary nuances but the fruit it still abundant. Don't see this getting better with time, drink now and over the next year or two.
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In a perfect spot for my taste...still very vibrant and young. Lovely bread, lemon, and pear. Great balance and excellent finish. Wish I had more to drink. If you prefer younger champs then drink up sooner but this has many years ahead to evolve.
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It’s enjoyable for its aged toasty notes, power and acids but the oxidative sherry notes are now prominent in the foreground. The medium gold color is beautiful with a small splatter of lazy bubbles. But once the extraordinary unique lilac and powder fragrance fades, Clos du Mesnil loses its magical originality to me. When too young, the tart minerality overwhelms so you have to catch it just right, say around 25 years. Vintage Krug by contrast matures at a more predictable and leisurely pace with a longer drinking window.
DRC vs Leroy Dinner (Kheam Hock Road): Absolutely lovely. What a privilege to drink this again. The nose was pure Krug magic, with wonderfully rich aromas of honey and caramel and treacle, ripe red apples and yellow fruit, then warm wafts of brioche and butter and spice, this edged with a nice umami edge. Wonderful. The palate was superb. Fresh, youthful, lively, with a real burst of kumquat and lime zest on the attack yielding to deep draws of white fruit and red apple flesh on the midpalate, almost a hint of sour cherries, and then a wonderful long tail of mineral, earth and warm spice at the finish. What a finish too - an incredible length and depth to it, just coating the midpalate and refusing to quit. Power, energy and fullness, yet embued with a noble grace. Wonderful, wonderful stuff - this was every bit as deep and profound as the 1990 Salon in the same flight, perhaps even more powerful and intense, if just slightly less elegantly filigreed. Maybe not as mindblowing as the last bottle I had, but this was as close to a perfect champagne as one gets. This was just a half-step behind the Salon 1990 tonight though, lacking that immense quiet elegance that the other wine had, but it certainly felt that this has a lot more in its tank, while the Salon was at its absolute peak and needed to be drank up.
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A lot of honey on the nose. Absolutely wonderful. Deep and complex and developed all night long. I smelled the glass and almost drowned...
In the mouth it didn't felt perfect. A little bit low on acid and maybe to ripe. If this was a week bottle or the vintage I do not now. What I do know is that 1990 has given me this experience before (Salon and DP).
Still a fantastic wine! Drink now if you can.
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This bottle reminded me of my first Clos de Mesnil two years ago, also 1990, and I absolutely loved it. This wine is definitely open knit and shows a lot of ‘90 ripeness and easy accessibility but also has all the detail and complex array of aromas and flavours you hope for in these bottles. Lovely vanilla spice and cream.
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Small and simple dinner gathering with some special friends, no formal notes. What a nose, full with honey, flowers, some gunpowder and flint stones, a touch of smoke, citrus, loads of apples and minerals to die for. Palate is very ripe, lots of apples (all colors in a perfect blend), lemons, bread, creamy and ripe. Very long and very ripe, still with backbone and acidity to hold it together and bring everything forward in layers of amazing flavors. Very concentrated, like a fine mature Le Montrachet with bubbles and a touch of Pinot Noir in it, kind off. Still far from ready. A great bottle of Krug, and a great end to an evening with the best line up of wines I have ever tasted! (99 – 100)
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Latour vs. Mouton Mini-Vertical (3030 Ocean, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida): A somewhat disappointing showing for the usually impeccable Clos du Mesnil, this bottle showed less vigorous than usual and less distinctive. Heavier and simpler than better examples and minus the usual perfume. It did improve with air though and showed glimpses of its former glory. This bottle was well stored so I can’t blame it on heat damage.
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I have been disappointed by this wine in the past but wasn't the case this night. A golden color that reflects the wines age but the palate was bright, clean, and fresh with some bubbles showing. Apples and brioche. great acidity that integrates with more air. 95/96
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World's Greatest - Night I (Eleven Madison Park): Nice barley and smoked cereal grains on the nose here. Different than both '96 and '88 which both have more Chardonnay cream. Definitely a more developed palate than the '96 but still is a major strike of citrus fruit. Different than '88, which is is more brawny and powerful.
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Simply amazing. As delicious as this is on the PNP, try to save this for 1-2 hours down the road where the acidity really picks up and renders this stunning. I have been unsuccessful on 2 seperate attempts . This is so damn good.
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Rousseau 2007 Dinner (RPM Steak - Chicago IL): Very musty start and nowhere near the level of the previous three bottles I have had the opportunity to enjoy. Great concentration, but perhaps slightly corked?!?
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Wine Monuments Man Chapter 2 (Berens am Kai 1 star Restaurant): Der nächste Flight wurde von unserem lieben litauischen Freund Rytis (es war Litauischer Unabhängigkeitstag) blind eingestielt. Leider machte uns der Korkteufel einen Strich durch die Rechnung. Der Salon 1990 konnte nicht erraten werden. Ich hätte ihn so gerne probiert. Bei der nächsten Aufgabe wurde sowohl Krug als auch Blanc de Blanc errraten, nur beim Jahrgang lagen wir falsch und auf einen Clos du Mesnil 1990 kam keiner. Wahnsinn. Unendliche Länge, Konzentration und Kraft. Er einnerte viele in der Runde an einem tollen Montrachet. Für mich besser als auf der Vertikalprobe vor 1,5 jahren. Noch jugendlich, erreicht gerade sein Trinkoptimum, auf jeden Fall weit von seinem Ende entfernt. Wenn es gestern den Selosse 1988 nicht gegeben hätte, wäre ich wahrscheinlich nicht so geizig mit 98+ gewesen. Ich liebe diese Nuß- und Honignoten gepaart mit der Zitrusfrische.
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Dark yellow in color. This had all the richness, power, and aged notes of the previous bottles. However there was also a persistent streak of acidity on the finish that allowed the wine to build and improve with time. Well, at least over the course of a hour because we couldn't keep our hands off of it. The bottle was by far the best of the lot. Simply outstanding.
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Once again, probably a bit advanced and lacking bubbles. But you really don't mind because it is so good. Rich, full of fruit, and plenty of Krug character.
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Wafting and enticing nose of white flowers, honeysuckle, and honeydew melon on top of melted caramel, toffee, and butterscotch. Notes of Chardonnay butter intermittent in a positive way. Only a touch lighter in colour than the 1990 vintage cuvée enjoyed a few days prior and drinking younger and fresher all around. Sugar and acid in an good spot for enjoying right now although this bottle will certainly continue to go for years. Pleasant mouthfeel. Palate lives up to the beauty of the bouquet. Chalky and slate minerality persistent throughout. A unique and special bottle every bit worth acquiring if encountered. OWC with original Krug pamphlet and vineyard description.
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A complete vertical tating of Clos du Mesnil. Richard Juhlin joined as special guest. 16 participants. It was not a blind tasting, starting 2003 and ending up with 1979. My rating average was the second highest followed by RJ.
The overall Top 5: 1979, 1981, 1988, 1982, 1996 (1981 was rated 7 times at 1st place, 1979 only 3 times)
My Top 5: 1988, 1979, 1996, 1985 and 1981
Nuts, toast, brioche in the nose, roasted walnuts and marzipan in the palate, ripe fruits with a firm fresh acidity, top structure, there is some potential 96-97
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Sweet hay, wonderful almond notes, ginger. Fantastic depth of flavors. Smooth palate with a pleasing sweetness riding on top of healthy acid. Dry finish. 95+
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A private tasting (Restaurant Behrens Am Kai *, Düsseldorf, Germany): Rich and vinous nose, truffle, warm but not very detailed, glowing with a warm nuttiness; the palate too is rich and vinous but harmonious, not heavy owing its ripe but firm acidity and supporting bitters; not a lot of definition on the finish but length is good. May be too big? Seems to be in transition? Not much fun today and not really my style, a bit foursquare. The vintage dominates the terroir here. Firm structure, time in hand.
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This wine is a beast of a wine. One of the best champagnes I've ever had. It's basically 90 Krug (which is a hadouken to the palate) but with NOS. There's so much going on as all the flavors are bursting through the densely structured wine but staying focused as to deliver the complete package on your tongue receptacles.
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Dinner with the Best of Krug, with Olivier Krug (Northbrook, IL): In flight of Krug Mesnil 1995, 1992, 1990. A bottle I had purchased 3-4 years ago. Very ripe and intense yellow and green apple with lots of Meyer lemon aromas and flavors. Ripeness is balanced with lots of concentration and structure, providing a long, powerful seamless character. Sensational. My WOTN in a night of great bottles of Krug.
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Kleur: Middel goudgeel, subtiele mousse. Aroma / bouquet: Rijp en complex bouquet. Aroma's van boenwas, stokbrood, rijpe peer. Lichte indruk van oxidatie, een vleugje caramel / boenwas. Smaak / Afdronk: Start: friszuur met een romige mousse. Een klein beetje kurk. Lange, prettig droge afdronk. Prachtige balans. Algemeen / potentieel: 50 + Kleur: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 14 + Smaak / Afdronk: 19 + Algemeen / potentieel: 9 = 97/100
Google Translate:
Color: Medium golden yellow, subtle mousse Aroma / bouquet:. Ripe and complex bouquet. Aromas of beeswax, bread, ripe pear. Light impression of oxidation, a hint of caramel / wax Taste / Finish:. Start: fresh acid with a creamy mousse. A little cork. Long, pleasant dry finish. . Wonderful balance General / potential: 50 + Color: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 14 + Taste / Finish: 19 + General / potential: 9 = 97/100
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(Greg's bottle) Significant butterscotch but not enough to unbalance the wine. Very vigorous and open. Fully mature and should be drunk soon if this bottle is indicative. Complex and interesting. Stellar, sublime even.
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Big, open and complex nose of dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, brioche, toast and a small hint of madeira that suggest that this bottle maybe was not impeccably stored. Much more fresh and lively in the mouth, with citrus, yellow apples, even more roasted notes and chocolate. Really long finish.
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Slightly darker colour than. The agrapart NV. Pin prick bubbles. Voluminous nose of bruised apples, nuts and dark honey. Wonderful, layered complexity as it unfolds on the palate. Incredibly spicy nose of curry powder with air! Awesome.
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Virtually perfect. It smells like a kitchen where someone is making Christmas cookies. It seems almost sweet but of course it's perfectly dry. Predominant flavors of fresh brioche, brown sugar and gingerbread. Compulsively drinkable, it better to drink without food, which serves only as a distraction. What a stunning champagne at its peak.
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Perfect bottle. Great colour. Bright and slightly golden, but with a vague green tone on the rim. Perfect mousse. The bubbles never ends, and still we decant this champagne ... and it goes on, and on, and on ... On the nose this champagne offers fresh hay, bread, almonds, yellow fruit, oyster-shell, acacia-honey. You can really smell the mineral and acidity. This wine needs time! First after 8 hours in decanter it starts to shine ... and what a star it is! The length is remarkable ... 4 minutes! Peerless structure! Like Nôtre Dame in Paris! This wine has a sharpness like few other wines I've tasted. Like a laser-beam. Every component is in harmony here. Totally in balance. Acidity, fruit, mineral, alcohol ... they are all best friends here. Sheer happiness in a bottle! So why do I not give this wine a perfect score?! The bottle contains only 750 ml!!! And I know it'll evolve over the next 10 - 20 years and will perform even better next time I try it.
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This reminded me the Krug collection 71. It is surprisingly rich and ripe yet the palate is almost airy. Mostly yellow fruit, there is a hint of very ripe Sauternes like richness. This drinks more like a mature grave blanc than a champagne. Beautifully layered fruits, seamless palate impression, small fine mousse with an extremely long finish. This is a lot fresher, ie no oxidative note, and more exotic than the 90 Krug. Two completely different wines.
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2011 Special Session 4 - Wine bash of 2011 (Jade Palace Seafood Restaurant, The Forum Shopping Mall, Orchard Road): Alcohol :: 12% En magnum. Popped and poured. What should I say? Krug is krug, a superstar that can grab everyone attention immediately and effortlessly. This vibrant medium golden Champagne is still youthful, with persistent fine bubble. The nose is powerful, intense and restraint. Yeasty, honey, green apple, pear laced on a solid bed of mineral, crushed stone and herbs with high tone yellow floral on the background. With time, nut and sweet yellow fruits note emerged. Incredibly powerful and muscular for a Blanc de Blanc, it immediately coated the mouth and palate, along with fine bubbly bring out the explosive impact that leave a numb feeling on the palate. The wine is trying to tell me that he is still a baby, you drink me now, I bite you! However, the structured started to mellow down at the end of the dinner that revealed impressive complexity and purity with intense herbs, sweet yellow and white fruits and mineral all supported firmly by the solid, almost impenetrable ripe acidic backbone that formed the endless layer of immense, expansive mouth feel yet with great focus. The lush, sweet, massive finish has insane grip on the back palate. This will need at least another 15yrs to hit the peak. Oh my, the power of Krug. 95-97
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Wine Bash of the Year 2011 (Jade Palace): From a magnum, this was absolutely incredible - one of those rare wines that can move a grown man to tears. What an amazing nose it had, with wafts of white chocolate and soy bean, reservoirs of lovely pear and apple aromas touched with just enough oxidative notes to add interest, some umami white meat accents, all ringed by a little halo of white flowers. Deep, intense, intriguing - a bouquet to die for. However, as good as that was, the palate was even better. Absolutely mindblowing, with layer after layer after layer of incredibly deep, almost intense flavours of red apples and pears and cream and white chocolate filling every crevice of the palate. Powerful, yet so impeccably balanced that you barely noticed just how powerful it was - what you got instead was just waves of sensory pleasure. The ultra-fine mousse and wonderfully integrated acidity then lifted the wine into a dizzyingly beautiful finish absolutely bursting with flowers, quince, pears and figs that just refused to quit the back-palate. This was incredible - a ridiculously good wine that is beyond doubt the best Champagne I have ever had, my wine of the year, and quite possibly one of the best wines I have ever had the privilege to drink. It still astounds me that a drink made from crushed grapes can be so profoundly wonderful. While this magnum seemed to be creeping into its drinking window, I could definitely imagine it improving over the next few years. I should also add a note that this was a superb pairing with jamon iberico.
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Weekend in Rome; 11/4/2011-11/6/2011 (Rome, Italy): Lighter in colour than expected ( vs Dom 90 and tattinger 90). The nose has this lovely yeasty, biscuity length that comes in truly stunning well aged champagnes. This one retains the focus and is vibrant and sharp still and can last for another 15 yrs easily. 95+
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Acker Merrall Inaugural Chicago Auction (Trump International Hotel): Really sensational. Lemon and lemon zest aromas. Meyer lemon flavors to start along with ripe orchard fruit. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality stand out all the way through to the long, powerful finish. Incredible textures throughout.
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più elegante e agrumato dell'altro bevuto, molto floreale, di fiori bianchi, delicato al naso, ma opulento in bocca, naso che poi si espande come un gran profumo, estremamente complesso e ricco, anche se mantiene un eleganza impressionante.
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Dark yellow look, beautiful to see the tinny bubbles. From the nose you could tell this was a different league. Very complex and layered with an overall tropical hint. The palate was simply phenomenal. The intensity of the flavors and the length / finish were unbelievable. Some melon, a bit of pineapple and orange peel. Full body. Structure was perfect- acidity and minerality that combined well with the fruit and the delicate sparkle. Kept opening up more and more, especially on the nose but also on the palate. Long long finish- it really lasted minutes. Best Champagne I've had!
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certainly a gorgeous wine, my first mesnil of any vintage, but not ethereal. in my mind i was comparing it to salon, and i did enjoy the deeper structure and richer texture of the krug. the wine seemed to float, and it paired nicely with lobster pot pie.
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G6 (Jeff): Dark golden color. Beautiful aromas of tropical fruits with a nice floral character. Tastes of apple, melon, lemon, and lime with impressive depth of fruit that extends into the mid palate. Incredible depth and complexity on the long elegant finish that seems to go on for minutes. What a treat to taste five different bottles of Krug Champagnes in one sitting with the pinnacle being this amazing wine. 12% alcohol.
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I have a feeling that the altitude has an effect on champange as non of the bottles we drunk this weekend showed as they should have. Not that any were bad but not the place they should be. Citrus, white flowers and crisp.
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Great bouquet. Mild, complex and friendly. Some brioche, nuts and soft citrus. On the palate very soft bubbles and many layers of tastes with very soft citrus, nuts again and may more hard to describe but beautiful flavors. Very long finish. Best Champaign ever for me.
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Dreamtasting #1 (Restaurant Le Défi, Sprang-Capelle): (*, open label) This is a breathtaking glass of Champagne... The complexity is dazzling and beautifully layered. Nutty oxidation nuances, interesting herbaceousness (fennel? anise?), tuffi-frutti, bread-n-butter, baked pears, drying paint. Extremely fine, frivolous and delicate mousse. After 20 years this is still a youngster, good freshness and spirit. Completely dry, but due to its richness and composition it's certainly not tart or austere. The mouthfeel is soft, rich and refreshing. Enormous length and persistent harmony till the very end. Best bubbles ever.. 19/20
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1990 Krug Champagne Clos du Mesnil (Frankrijk, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne) Kleur: Diep strogeel Aroma / bouquet: Prachtig rijk tertiair bouquet, sherry, nootjes, caramel, limoentjes, botrytis, zeer gelaagd, een wijn die met het verstrijken van elke minuut meer prijsgeeft van zijn complexiteit. Smaak / Afdronk: Friszuur, super verfijnd bubbeltje, strakdroog, indrukwekkend lange afdronk… Dit BLIJFT maar doorgaan. Algemeen / potentieel: By far mijn allermooiste champagne ooit… 50 + Kleur: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 15 + Smaak / Afdronk: 20 + Algemeen / potentieel: 10 = 100/100
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Have held these since release waiting for the right moment. The 20th anniversary of marriage to my beautiful wife was it. Gorgeouse light yellow color with very fine bead. Initially very tight but slowly opened to elegant citrus flavors, very powerful yet light on it's feet. Intense white fruits with lemon, granny smith apple and quince. As it warmed up it became magical with the mouthfeel of a grand cru white burg. Last sip was the best, drank too quickly. WOW!
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Naso krugghiano, salino e lattico, erbaceo di quelli buoni, potente e leggermente ossidativo. Poi esce una nocciolina piacevole, e un tappeto di fiori. In bocca ottile ed elegante ma molto presente. In complesso davvero esplosivo e pronto da bere ora.
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Staggeringly, blindingly, excitingly good. Delicate, elegant and soft, infinitely complex. Perfect harmony; good acidity but hardly noticeable. Gently citric. Not at all yeasty or bready and not particularly chalky or minerally either. It changed over a period of a couple of hours but it was no more (or less) interesting than when first opened, so it must be fully mature at at its lofty peak.
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Clos de Mesnil, poured into quite wide Krug branded glasses with a gentle fizz. A captivating nose, full of spring gardens with a hint of earthiness that developed over three hours to show some truffle and old cellar. Initially quite light in the mouth, lemon and langue du chat, very refreshing and carrying firm acidity but in perfect balance, displays none of the mixed maturity notes of the normal 1990. Effortless wine that really, drinking so well now. Magical, beyond words really.
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A few highlights from a celebration (Northbrook, IL): Wow, amazingly powerful while still incredibly fresh. starts with a lemony pop and lots of energy. Palate shows a good cross-section of fruit, with more lemon, some orange zest and even/almost some rich tropical fruit. Incredibly long and elegant. Best champagne I've ever had.
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Celebration Dinner (Chicago): Wow, all the same wonderful Krug character with just more of everything. Layers upon layers with perhaps a more citrus acidity character than the straight up vintage Krug. 97-98 pts.
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Light golden color with extremely fine bubbles that dissipated rapidly. Stunningly complex and fresh nose that seemed to show something different with each visit to the glass: hazelnuts, baked bread, ginger, honey, mixed nuts, minerals, lemon citrus, and even a little smokiness. Big, rich fruit on the palate and an almost oily texture and persistence. The intense acidity, however, kept the wine light and fresh. Exceptionally long finish that left behind green apple and yeast flavors. Paired beautifully with our food. This wine was unbelievably good with so much going on yet maintaining near perfect balance and it's not even drinking at its peak. Hold on to this beauty another 5+ years if you have any! 98+
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(Drank at the Antrim 1844.) A gorgeous treat for the day after Thanksgiving. It's golden colored and has almost no bead. So vinous that it's rather like a moussey, acidic Chardonnay, but way better. It shows ginger, biscuit, maple syrup, sweet red apple, and loads of honey, honey, and more honey. Concentrated and wide open -- especially on the palate -- but it's still focused and savory. The finish lasts about 30 seconds. I mark it just short of the regular '88 Krug (and also just short of Krug's superb MV Rose, but I think I'm an outlier in just how much I love that).
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Some Champagnes and a few reds (Columbus, OH): Big wine in a slightly oxidative Krug style. Fresh, toasty wine with a still very raw and vibrant palate. Wonderful purity and balance - just very complete. Stunningly good stuff, but needs lots of time.
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At first tight almost vegetal, so we recognized the power of this brooding giant, and put it away until later. In about an hour, it had opened slightly revealing even more power, and exquisite delineation with great breeding. Although not ready (I know Voodoo, it was infanticide) it still was interesting to compare this struggling baby giant with some well developed, probably lessor wines.
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While still young, this begins to show what it is about; broad taste, walnuts, butter, fallen apples, creamy style with a fine insisting acidity - this goes on and on. #SFKult
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From Sunset Corners, at Palme d’Or with Hugh and Grace. Light, delicate, ethereal, lacy. Amazingly complex. Almonds and citrus aromas morph into lightly buttered toast over 3 hours. No resemblance to vintage Krug. This is why Mesnil is so exciting- and so expensive.
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4/3/2024 - The Vines That Bind wrote:
On the more advanced and oxidative end of the spectrum, not in line with previous 96-point encounters. Now, this was still pleasantly drinkable with lots in the way of caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc., but lacking that blanc de blanc cream and fresh white and yellow fruit. Interestingly has seemingly very high acid. Deep gold colour in the glass. Pristine bottle in tissue paper from OWC.
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2/6/2024 - WaMike Likes this wine: 92 Points
This wine feels like it's passed it's peak. While there's still some effervescence on initial open and pour, what remains is very soft and subtle in the mouth. Deep yellow color in the glass. Still shows lovely tart lemon/citrus notes, good acidity to keep things crisp, and that classic "aged-Champagne" yeastiness pairing with a long finish. A very enjoyable wine experience still, but probably one that would have been even better 5-10 years ago.
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12/17/2023 - aquacongas wrote: 98 Points
blind
I guessed CdM 1985, later on fresher and fruitier. Typical CdM perfume and density. Some lemon peel, almonds and exotic fruits. Close to his peak. NO hurry but I think it won't be better. 97-98
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10/21/2023 - jjoko wrote: 100 Points
Perfect condition. Perfect experience. Can't expect more from it.
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2/7/2023 - jhngo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still very good but the nose had some slight corkiness. Was good but really expected much more for such a great champagne. Bubbles were very refined.
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12/6/2022 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
Wine Workshop: Clos du Mesnil vertical (Atera - 77 Worth Street in NYC): Again a bit more developed in style. Can tell the warmer years in this wine which I understand is in a Clos which tends to hold heat in well anyway. This was a bit more spice notes and then kindof a sour apple style. Drinks very nicely.
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3/11/2022 - Burgundy Al wrote: 95 Points
Wine Tasted at Acker Auction (Ci Siamo - New York NY): Small pour, brief note. Very ripe, rich, and powerful, this is still enchanting, even if less exciting vs a few years back (for me).
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11/4/2021 - mye wrote:
Upfront it’s got an almond nuttiness, with tropical fruit and honey on the nose. Palate is initially quite ripe, but with air it unfurls into honied tropical fruit notes, mixed with electric acidity. Style is oxidative but wine is focused. Can’t think of anything more you’d want in a bottle of champagne. Brilliant.
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11/3/2021 - The Vines That Bind wrote: 96 Points
An excellent bottle with only a small degree of the oxidative style. Relatively open knit and ripe. Has terrific yellow apple fruit. Has good maturity with almond and toasted nuts but overall is still clean and bright. I preferred this to the ‘96 tonight although that wine will surely catch up. Very fresh and good example.
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8/27/2021 - Alex G. Likes this wine:
Regal top quality evident from the first whiff, Montrachet-like honey aroma, palate gives secondary nuances but the fruit it still abundant. Don't see this getting better with time, drink now and over the next year or two.
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7/23/2021 - bill00 wrote: 97 Points
Drinking perfectly from magnum. Love the combo of ripe vintage depth of fruit with classic CdM minerality and acid. At or around peak.
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7/14/2021 - BROpus One Likes this wine: 98 Points
In a perfect spot for my taste...still very vibrant and young. Lovely bread, lemon, and pear. Great balance and excellent finish. Wish I had more to drink. If you prefer younger champs then drink up sooner but this has many years ahead to evolve.
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6/19/2021 - jhngo Likes this wine: 98 Points
Wow amazingly fresh alive energetic!!
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3/10/2021 - Collector1855 wrote: 99 Points
Krug Clos du Mesnil – Complete Vertical 1979-2006 tasted blind (Singapore): Light orange color. Expressive nose of bergamot, peony, raspberry. Elegant and caressing palate, earl gray tea on the finish. Spectacular. This was the group’s runner up in this flight
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12/31/2020 - sdr wrote: 90 Points
It’s enjoyable for its aged toasty notes, power and acids but the oxidative sherry notes are now prominent in the foreground. The medium gold color is beautiful with a small splatter of lazy bubbles. But once the extraordinary unique lilac and powder fragrance fades, Clos du Mesnil loses its magical originality to me. When too young, the tart minerality overwhelms so you have to catch it just right, say around 25 years. Vintage Krug by contrast matures at a more predictable and leisurely pace with a longer drinking window.
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12/18/2020 - Alex G. Likes this wine:
Dark color but still lively with intense toffee and some brioche. Drink sooner than later.
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9/20/2020 - aquacongas wrote: 99 Points
Complete Vertical tasting of Clos du Mesnil en Magnum with Olivier Krug (Berens am Kai 1 star Restaurant): Complete Clos du Mesnil Magnum tasting, all bottles opened 3 Hours before, not blind
Side by side with the 88. Most drinkers preferred the 90. Exotic fruits, lush fruits, balanced, long finish. Not the elegance of the 88. 99
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12/14/2019 - Paul S wrote: 97 Points
DRC vs Leroy Dinner (Kheam Hock Road): Absolutely lovely. What a privilege to drink this again. The nose was pure Krug magic, with wonderfully rich aromas of honey and caramel and treacle, ripe red apples and yellow fruit, then warm wafts of brioche and butter and spice, this edged with a nice umami edge. Wonderful. The palate was superb. Fresh, youthful, lively, with a real burst of kumquat and lime zest on the attack yielding to deep draws of white fruit and red apple flesh on the midpalate, almost a hint of sour cherries, and then a wonderful long tail of mineral, earth and warm spice at the finish. What a finish too - an incredible length and depth to it, just coating the midpalate and refusing to quit. Power, energy and fullness, yet embued with a noble grace. Wonderful, wonderful stuff - this was every bit as deep and profound as the 1990 Salon in the same flight, perhaps even more powerful and intense, if just slightly less elegantly filigreed. Maybe not as mindblowing as the last bottle I had, but this was as close to a perfect champagne as one gets. This was just a half-step behind the Salon 1990 tonight though, lacking that immense quiet elegance that the other wine had, but it certainly felt that this has a lot more in its tank, while the Salon was at its absolute peak and needed to be drank up.
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10/14/2019 - clayfu wrote:
corked =(
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11/24/2018 - fcxj wrote: 96 Points
Amazingly youthful in color and taste. Fresh, orchard fruit, more Salon than Krug. Super subtle. Yellow gold color.
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10/1/2018 - Clos du Mesnil wrote: 98 Points
A lot of honey on the nose. Absolutely wonderful. Deep and complex and developed all night long. I smelled the glass and almost drowned...
In the mouth it didn't felt perfect. A little bit low on acid and maybe to ripe. If this was a week bottle or the vintage I do not now. What I do know is that 1990 has given me this experience before (Salon and DP).
Still a fantastic wine! Drink now if you can.
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9/26/2018 - kr522 wrote:
advanced and losing it's energy/freshness. from an excellent source
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8/2/2018 - The Vines That Bind wrote: 96 Points
This bottle reminded me of my first Clos de Mesnil two years ago, also 1990, and I absolutely loved it. This wine is definitely open knit and shows a lot of ‘90 ripeness and easy accessibility but also has all the detail and complex array of aromas and flavours you hope for in these bottles. Lovely vanilla spice and cream.
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4/11/2018 - Ramberg wrote: 99 Points
Small and simple dinner gathering with some special friends, no formal notes.
What a nose, full with honey, flowers, some gunpowder and flint stones, a touch of smoke, citrus, loads of apples and minerals to die for.
Palate is very ripe, lots of apples (all colors in a perfect blend), lemons, bread, creamy and ripe.
Very long and very ripe, still with backbone and acidity to hold it together and bring everything forward in layers of amazing flavors.
Very concentrated, like a fine mature Le Montrachet with bubbles and a touch of Pinot Noir in it, kind off.
Still far from ready.
A great bottle of Krug, and a great end to an evening with the best line up of wines I have ever tasted!
(99 – 100)
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2/28/2018 - sdr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Latour vs. Mouton Mini-Vertical (3030 Ocean, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida): A somewhat disappointing showing for the usually impeccable Clos du Mesnil, this bottle showed less vigorous than usual and less distinctive. Heavier and simpler than better examples and minus the usual perfume. It did improve with air though and showed glimpses of its former glory. This bottle was well stored so I can’t blame it on heat damage.
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12/30/2017 - fatboi Likes this wine:
It was so good had to open another one. Brioche and apples. A toastier bottle if that makes sense. But such a complex palate. delicious.
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12/21/2017 - fatboi Likes this wine: 95 Points
I have been disappointed by this wine in the past but wasn't the case this night. A golden color that reflects the wines age but the palate was bright, clean, and fresh with some bubbles showing. Apples and brioche. great acidity that integrates with more air. 95/96
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5/11/2017 - The Vines That Bind wrote: 95 Points
World's Greatest - Night I (Eleven Madison Park): Nice barley and smoked cereal grains on the nose here. Different than both '96 and '88 which both have more Chardonnay cream. Definitely a more developed palate than the '96 but still is a major strike of citrus fruit. Different than '88, which is is more brawny and powerful.
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5/11/2017 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 94 Points
Fresh golden apple and mineral notes, with saline elements on the finish. Outperformed the '96 on this occasion.
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5/9/2017 - FYC wrote:
Simply amazing. As delicious as this is on the PNP, try to save this for 1-2 hours down the road where the acidity really picks up and renders this stunning. I have been unsuccessful on 2 seperate attempts . This is so damn good.
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3/30/2017 - Burgundy Al wrote: flawed
Rousseau 2007 Dinner (RPM Steak - Chicago IL): Very musty start and nowhere near the level of the previous three bottles I have had the opportunity to enjoy. Great concentration, but perhaps slightly corked?!?
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3/17/2017 - aquacongas Likes this wine: 98 Points
Wine Monuments Man Chapter 2 (Berens am Kai 1 star Restaurant): Der nächste Flight wurde von unserem lieben litauischen Freund Rytis (es war Litauischer Unabhängigkeitstag) blind eingestielt. Leider machte uns der Korkteufel einen Strich durch die Rechnung. Der Salon 1990 konnte nicht erraten werden. Ich hätte ihn so gerne probiert. Bei der nächsten Aufgabe wurde sowohl Krug als auch Blanc de Blanc errraten, nur beim Jahrgang lagen wir falsch und auf einen Clos du Mesnil 1990 kam keiner. Wahnsinn. Unendliche Länge, Konzentration und Kraft. Er einnerte viele in der Runde an einem tollen Montrachet. Für mich besser als auf der Vertikalprobe vor 1,5 jahren. Noch jugendlich, erreicht gerade sein Trinkoptimum, auf jeden Fall weit von seinem Ende entfernt. Wenn es gestern den Selosse 1988 nicht gegeben hätte, wäre ich wahrscheinlich nicht so geizig mit 98+ gewesen. Ich liebe diese Nuß- und Honignoten gepaart mit der Zitrusfrische.
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1/31/2017 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 95 Points
From magnum. Deep with rich acid.
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12/18/2016 - FYC wrote:
Dark yellow in color. This had all the richness, power, and aged notes of the previous bottles. However there was also a persistent streak of acidity on the finish that allowed the wine to build and improve with time. Well, at least over the course of a hour because we couldn't keep our hands off of it. The bottle was by far the best of the lot. Simply outstanding.
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11/20/2016 - FYC wrote:
Once again, probably a bit advanced and lacking bubbles. But you really don't mind because it is so good. Rich, full of fruit, and plenty of Krug character.
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9/12/2016 - FYC wrote:
Incredibly rich and sweet. This one was not the freshest bottle of 90 mesnil I've had but man 90 mesnil is just so insanely good.
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1/22/2016 - The Vines That Bind wrote: 97 Points
Wafting and enticing nose of white flowers, honeysuckle, and honeydew melon on top of melted caramel, toffee, and butterscotch. Notes of Chardonnay butter intermittent in a positive way. Only a touch lighter in colour than the 1990 vintage cuvée enjoyed a few days prior and drinking younger and fresher all around. Sugar and acid in an good spot for enjoying right now although this bottle will certainly continue to go for years. Pleasant mouthfeel. Palate lives up to the beauty of the bouquet. Chalky and slate minerality persistent throughout. A unique and special bottle every bit worth acquiring if encountered. OWC with original Krug pamphlet and vineyard description.
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12/5/2015 - aquacongas Likes this wine: 96 Points
A complete vertical tating of Clos du Mesnil. Richard Juhlin joined as special guest. 16 participants. It was not a blind tasting, starting 2003 and ending up with 1979. My rating average was the second highest followed by RJ.
The overall Top 5: 1979, 1981, 1988, 1982, 1996 (1981 was rated 7 times at 1st place, 1979 only 3 times)
My Top 5: 1988, 1979, 1996, 1985 and 1981
Nuts, toast, brioche in the nose, roasted walnuts and marzipan in the palate, ripe fruits with a firm fresh acidity, top structure, there is some potential 96-97
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11/7/2015 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 95 Points
Sweet hay, wonderful almond notes, ginger. Fantastic depth of flavors. Smooth palate with a pleasing sweetness riding on top of healthy acid. Dry finish. 95+
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10/30/2015 - Xavier Auerbach wrote: 95 Points
A private tasting (Restaurant Behrens Am Kai *, Düsseldorf, Germany): Rich and vinous nose, truffle, warm but not very detailed, glowing with a warm nuttiness; the palate too is rich and vinous but harmonious, not heavy owing its ripe but firm acidity and supporting bitters; not a lot of definition on the finish but length is good. May be too big? Seems to be in transition? Not much fun today and not really my style, a bit foursquare. The vintage dominates the terroir here. Firm structure, time in hand.
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8/22/2015 - clayfu wrote:
This wine is a beast of a wine. One of the best champagnes I've ever had. It's basically 90 Krug (which is a hadouken to the palate) but with NOS. There's so much going on as all the flavors are bursting through the densely structured wine but staying focused as to deliver the complete package on your tongue receptacles.
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2/18/2015 - BaroloRob wrote: 97 Points
Ultimate Conterno versus Giacosa battle (Troquet): See event notes.
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11/4/2014 - psmith wrote: 95 Points
Krug Dinner (Northbrook, IL): Bold, toasty profile. Spicy, musky citrus notes. Delicious, rich wine.
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11/4/2014 - Burgundy Al wrote: 96 Points
Dinner with the Best of Krug, with Olivier Krug (Northbrook, IL): In flight of Krug Mesnil 1995, 1992, 1990. A bottle I had purchased 3-4 years ago. Very ripe and intense yellow and green apple with lots of Meyer lemon aromas and flavors. Ripeness is balanced with lots of concentration and structure, providing a long, powerful seamless character. Sensational. My WOTN in a night of great bottles of Krug.
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4/2/2014 - jhngo Likes this wine: 99 Points
rich concentrated loads of acid just a powerhouse wine.
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9/13/2013 - WildeMeeuw Likes this wine: 97 Points
Kleur: Middel goudgeel, subtiele mousse. Aroma / bouquet: Rijp en complex bouquet. Aroma's van boenwas, stokbrood, rijpe peer. Lichte indruk van oxidatie, een vleugje caramel / boenwas. Smaak / Afdronk: Start: friszuur met een romige mousse. Een klein beetje kurk. Lange, prettig droge afdronk. Prachtige balans. Algemeen / potentieel: 50 + Kleur: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 14 + Smaak / Afdronk: 19 + Algemeen / potentieel: 9 = 97/100
Google Translate:
Color: Medium golden yellow, subtle mousse Aroma / bouquet:. Ripe and complex bouquet. Aromas of beeswax, bread, ripe pear. Light impression of oxidation, a hint of caramel / wax Taste / Finish:. Start: fresh acid with a creamy mousse. A little cork. Long, pleasant dry finish. . Wonderful balance General / potential: 50 + Color: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 14 + Taste / Finish: 19 + General / potential: 9 = 97/100
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6/20/2013 - muchomaas wrote: 90 Points
Brooklyn Fare. Disappointing. It brought a beautiful high-end but brought no more to back it up. Drank over the course of three hours.
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12/22/2012 - sdr Likes this wine: 98 Points
(Greg's bottle) Significant butterscotch but not enough to unbalance the wine. Very vigorous and open. Fully mature and should be drunk soon if this bottle is indicative. Complex and interesting. Stellar, sublime even.
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7/8/2012 - bza wrote:
Big, open and complex nose of dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, brioche, toast and a small hint of madeira that suggest that this bottle maybe was not impeccably stored. Much more fresh and lively in the mouth, with citrus, yellow apples, even more roasted notes and chocolate. Really long finish.
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7/3/2012 - DAN BAILEY wrote:
Slightly darker colour than. The agrapart NV. Pin prick bubbles. Voluminous nose of bruised apples, nuts and dark honey. Wonderful, layered complexity as it unfolds on the palate. Incredibly spicy nose of curry powder with air! Awesome.
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6/9/2012 - sdr Likes this wine: 99 Points
Virtually perfect. It smells like a kitchen where someone is making Christmas cookies. It seems almost sweet but of course it's perfectly dry. Predominant flavors of fresh brioche, brown sugar and gingerbread. Compulsively drinkable, it better to drink without food, which serves only as a distraction. What a stunning champagne at its peak.
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6/2/2012 - Tenuta Stefan wrote: 98 Points
Perfect bottle. Great colour. Bright and slightly golden, but with a vague green tone on the rim. Perfect mousse. The bubbles never ends, and still we decant this champagne ... and it goes on, and on, and on ...
On the nose this champagne offers fresh hay, bread, almonds, yellow fruit, oyster-shell, acacia-honey. You can really smell the mineral and acidity.
This wine needs time! First after 8 hours in decanter it starts to shine ... and what a star it is! The length is remarkable ... 4 minutes! Peerless structure! Like Nôtre Dame in Paris! This wine has a sharpness like few other wines I've tasted. Like a laser-beam. Every component is in harmony here. Totally in balance. Acidity, fruit, mineral, alcohol ... they are all best friends here. Sheer happiness in a bottle!
So why do I not give this wine a perfect score?! The bottle contains only 750 ml!!! And I know it'll evolve over the next 10 - 20 years and will perform even better next time I try it.
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2/1/2012 - dcwino wrote: 98 Points
This reminded me the Krug collection 71. It is surprisingly rich and ripe yet the palate is almost airy. Mostly yellow fruit, there is a hint of very ripe Sauternes like richness. This drinks more like a mature grave blanc than a champagne. Beautifully layered fruits, seamless palate impression, small fine mousse with an extremely long finish. This is a lot fresher, ie no oxidative note, and more exotic than the 90 Krug. Two completely different wines.
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12/27/2011 - Sleepy Dave wrote: 95 Points
2011 Special Session 4 - Wine bash of 2011 (Jade Palace Seafood Restaurant, The Forum Shopping Mall, Orchard Road): Alcohol :: 12%
En magnum. Popped and poured. What should I say? Krug is krug, a superstar that can grab everyone attention immediately and effortlessly. This vibrant medium golden Champagne is still youthful, with persistent fine bubble. The nose is powerful, intense and restraint. Yeasty, honey, green apple, pear laced on a solid bed of mineral, crushed stone and herbs with high tone yellow floral on the background. With time, nut and sweet yellow fruits note emerged. Incredibly powerful and muscular for a Blanc de Blanc, it immediately coated the mouth and palate, along with fine bubbly bring out the explosive impact that leave a numb feeling on the palate. The wine is trying to tell me that he is still a baby, you drink me now, I bite you! However, the structured started to mellow down at the end of the dinner that revealed impressive complexity and purity with intense herbs, sweet yellow and white fruits and mineral all supported firmly by the solid, almost impenetrable ripe acidic backbone that formed the endless layer of immense, expansive mouth feel yet with great focus. The lush, sweet, massive finish has insane grip on the back palate. This will need at least another 15yrs to hit the peak. Oh my, the power of Krug. 95-97
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12/27/2011 - Paul S wrote: 98 Points
Wine Bash of the Year 2011 (Jade Palace): From a magnum, this was absolutely incredible - one of those rare wines that can move a grown man to tears. What an amazing nose it had, with wafts of white chocolate and soy bean, reservoirs of lovely pear and apple aromas touched with just enough oxidative notes to add interest, some umami white meat accents, all ringed by a little halo of white flowers. Deep, intense, intriguing - a bouquet to die for. However, as good as that was, the palate was even better. Absolutely mindblowing, with layer after layer after layer of incredibly deep, almost intense flavours of red apples and pears and cream and white chocolate filling every crevice of the palate. Powerful, yet so impeccably balanced that you barely noticed just how powerful it was - what you got instead was just waves of sensory pleasure. The ultra-fine mousse and wonderfully integrated acidity then lifted the wine into a dizzyingly beautiful finish absolutely bursting with flowers, quince, pears and figs that just refused to quit the back-palate. This was incredible - a ridiculously good wine that is beyond doubt the best Champagne I have ever had, my wine of the year, and quite possibly one of the best wines I have ever had the privilege to drink. It still astounds me that a drink made from crushed grapes can be so profoundly wonderful. While this magnum seemed to be creeping into its drinking window, I could definitely imagine it improving over the next few years. I should also add a note that this was a superb pairing with jamon iberico.
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11/5/2011 - Papies wrote: 95 Points
Weekend in Rome; 11/4/2011-11/6/2011 (Rome, Italy): Lighter in colour than expected ( vs Dom 90 and tattinger 90). The nose has this lovely yeasty, biscuity length that comes in truly stunning well aged champagnes. This one retains the focus and is vibrant and sharp still and can last for another 15 yrs easily. 95+
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10/22/2011 - Burgundy Al wrote: 97 Points
Acker Merrall Inaugural Chicago Auction (Trump International Hotel): Really sensational. Lemon and lemon zest aromas. Meyer lemon flavors to start along with ripe orchard fruit. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality stand out all the way through to the long, powerful finish. Incredible textures throughout.
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10/22/2011 - Le Musigny wrote:
Can't get enough of this. Killer bottle.
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5/4/2011 - Jossik wrote: 97 Points
più elegante e agrumato dell'altro bevuto, molto floreale, di fiori bianchi, delicato al naso, ma opulento in bocca, naso che poi si espande come un gran profumo, estremamente complesso e ricco, anche se mantiene un eleganza impressionante.
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4/21/2011 - Lombardi wrote: 96 Points
Dark yellow look, beautiful to see the tinny bubbles. From the nose you could tell this was a different league. Very complex and layered with an overall tropical hint. The palate was simply phenomenal. The intensity of the flavors and the length / finish were unbelievable. Some melon, a bit of pineapple and orange peel. Full body. Structure was perfect- acidity and minerality that combined well with the fruit and the delicate sparkle. Kept opening up more and more, especially on the nose but also on the palate. Long long finish- it really lasted minutes. Best Champagne I've had!
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1/17/2011 - jeff nowak wrote: 95 Points
certainly a gorgeous wine, my first mesnil of any vintage, but not ethereal. in my mind i was comparing it to salon, and i did enjoy the deeper structure and richer texture of the krug. the wine seemed to float, and it paired nicely with lobster pot pie.
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1/17/2011 - kstoddard Likes this wine: 97 Points
G6 (Jeff): Dark golden color. Beautiful aromas of tropical fruits with a nice floral character. Tastes of apple, melon, lemon, and lime with impressive depth of fruit that extends into the mid palate. Incredible depth and complexity on the long elegant finish that seems to go on for minutes. What a treat to taste five different bottles of Krug Champagnes in one sitting with the pinnacle being this amazing wine. 12% alcohol.
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12/8/2010 - BradE wrote:
Good, forward, very drinkable today. I liked it, but its not rock star. Drink sooner rather than later?
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10/10/2010 - Le Musigny wrote:
I have a feeling that the altitude has an effect on champange as non of the bottles we drunk this weekend showed as they should have. Not that any were bad but not the place they should be. Citrus, white flowers and crisp.
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9/26/2010 - Zweder wrote: 98 Points
Great bouquet. Mild, complex and friendly. Some brioche, nuts and soft citrus. On the palate very soft bubbles and many layers of tastes with very soft citrus, nuts again and may more hard to describe but beautiful flavors. Very long finish. Best Champaign ever for me.
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9/25/2010 - Peter Z. Likes this wine: 97 Points
what a treat! Nutty, minerality, balance, delicate
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9/25/2010 - jkoenen wrote: 96 Points
Dreamtasting #1 (Restaurant Le Défi, Sprang-Capelle): (*, open label) This is a breathtaking glass of Champagne... The complexity is dazzling and beautifully layered. Nutty oxidation nuances, interesting herbaceousness (fennel? anise?), tuffi-frutti, bread-n-butter, baked pears, drying paint. Extremely fine, frivolous and delicate mousse. After 20 years this is still a youngster, good freshness and spirit. Completely dry, but due to its richness and composition it's certainly not tart or austere. The mouthfeel is soft, rich and refreshing. Enormous length and persistent harmony till the very end. Best bubbles ever.. 19/20
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9/25/2010 - WildeMeeuw wrote: 100 Points
1990 Krug Champagne Clos du Mesnil (Frankrijk, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne) Kleur: Diep strogeel Aroma / bouquet: Prachtig rijk tertiair bouquet, sherry, nootjes, caramel, limoentjes, botrytis, zeer gelaagd, een wijn die met het verstrijken van elke minuut meer prijsgeeft van zijn complexiteit. Smaak / Afdronk: Friszuur, super verfijnd bubbeltje, strakdroog, indrukwekkend lange afdronk… Dit BLIJFT maar doorgaan. Algemeen / potentieel: By far mijn allermooiste champagne ooit… 50 + Kleur: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 15 + Smaak / Afdronk: 20 + Algemeen / potentieel: 10 = 100/100
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8/27/2010 - dgerst wrote: 98 Points
Have held these since release waiting for the right moment. The 20th anniversary of marriage to my beautiful wife was it. Gorgeouse light yellow color with very fine bead. Initially very tight but slowly opened to elegant citrus flavors, very powerful yet light on it's feet. Intense white fruits with lemon, granny smith apple and quince. As it warmed up it became magical with the mouthfeel of a grand cru white burg. Last sip was the best, drank too quickly. WOW!
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5/23/2010 - Jossik wrote: 97 Points
Naso krugghiano, salino e lattico, erbaceo di quelli buoni, potente e leggermente ossidativo. Poi esce una nocciolina piacevole, e un tappeto di fiori. In bocca ottile ed elegante ma molto presente. In complesso davvero esplosivo e pronto da bere ora.
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2/20/2010 - sdr wrote: 99 Points
Staggeringly, blindingly, excitingly good. Delicate, elegant and soft, infinitely complex. Perfect harmony; good acidity but hardly noticeable. Gently citric. Not at all yeasty or bready and not particularly chalky or minerally either. It changed over a period of a couple of hours but it was no more (or less) interesting than when first opened, so it must be fully mature at at its lofty peak.
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2/9/2010 - Russell Faulkner wrote: 99 Points
Clos de Mesnil, poured into quite wide Krug branded glasses with a gentle fizz. A captivating nose, full of spring gardens with a hint of earthiness that developed over three hours to show some truffle and old cellar.
Initially quite light in the mouth, lemon and langue du chat, very refreshing and carrying firm acidity but in perfect balance, displays none of the mixed maturity notes of the normal 1990. Effortless wine that really, drinking so well now. Magical, beyond words really.
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11/29/2008 - Burgundy Al wrote: 97 Points
A few highlights from a celebration (Northbrook, IL): Wow, amazingly powerful while still incredibly fresh. starts with a lemony pop and lots of energy. Palate shows a good cross-section of fruit, with more lemon, some orange zest and even/almost some rich tropical fruit. Incredibly long and elegant. Best champagne I've ever had.
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11/29/2008 - MatthewF wrote: 98 Points
Creamy lemon and biscuit on the nose. Fantastic lush palate with ripe fruit and a great finish.
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11/29/2008 - winefool wrote: 97 Points
Celebration Dinner (Chicago): Wow, all the same wonderful Krug character with just more of everything. Layers upon layers with perhaps a more citrus acidity character than the straight up vintage Krug. 97-98 pts.
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1/18/2008 - rsepulve wrote: 98 Points
Light golden color with extremely fine bubbles that dissipated rapidly. Stunningly complex and fresh nose that seemed to show something different with each visit to the glass: hazelnuts, baked bread, ginger, honey, mixed nuts, minerals, lemon citrus, and even a little smokiness. Big, rich fruit on the palate and an almost oily texture and persistence. The intense acidity, however, kept the wine light and fresh. Exceptionally long finish that left behind green apple and yeast flavors. Paired beautifully with our food. This wine was unbelievably good with so much going on yet maintaining near perfect balance and it's not even drinking at its peak. Hold on to this beauty another 5+ years if you have any! 98+
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11/23/2007 - Stephan O wrote: 97 Points
(Drank at the Antrim 1844.) A gorgeous treat for the day after Thanksgiving. It's golden colored and has almost no bead. So vinous that it's rather like a moussey, acidic Chardonnay, but way better. It shows ginger, biscuit, maple syrup, sweet red apple, and loads of honey, honey, and more honey. Concentrated and wide open -- especially on the palate -- but it's still focused and savory. The finish lasts about 30 seconds. I mark it just short of the regular '88 Krug (and also just short of Krug's superb MV Rose, but I think I'm an outlier in just how much I love that).
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4/25/2007 - DelYap wrote: 96 Points
Dinner at Ray's; Older Burgs, Bordeaux and Italian (Vancouver, BC): Huge biscuit nose with a hint of lemon. Bright acidity and great finish. Needs another 10 years to really show it's best.
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2/24/2007 - psmith wrote:
Some Champagnes and a few reds (Columbus, OH): Big wine in a slightly oxidative Krug style. Fresh, toasty wine with a still very raw and vibrant palate. Wonderful purity and balance - just very complete. Stunningly good stuff, but needs lots of time.
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7/8/2006 - 128 wrote:
Pre dinner drinks at home with the wife and Christopher.
Yeast and toast with great focus. The wife loved it.
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4/9/2005 - skwid wrote:
Drunk 20050409 at Corkages with tuna tartare.
Lots of toasty notes. This bottle was much better than the first bottle I had with lots of depth. I think the first bottle may have been damaged.
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12/31/2004 - dk_lulu wrote:
At first tight almost vegetal, so we recognized the power of this brooding giant, and put it away until later. In about an hour, it had opened slightly revealing even more power, and exquisite delineation with great breeding. Although not ready (I know Voodoo, it was infanticide) it still was interesting to compare this struggling baby giant with some well developed, probably lessor wines.
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4/15/2004 - beatles wrote: 94 Points
While still young, this begins to show what it is about; broad taste, walnuts, butter, fallen apples, creamy style with a fine insisting acidity - this goes on and on.
#SFKult
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2/1/2004 - sdr Likes this wine: 98 Points
From Sunset Corners, at Palme d’Or with Hugh and Grace. Light, delicate, ethereal, lacy. Amazingly complex. Almonds and citrus aromas morph into lightly buttered toast over 3 hours. No resemblance to vintage Krug. This is why Mesnil is so exciting- and so expensive.
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