Nose is initially oxidative and seems to strike a singular berry and citrus note. Smells like Krug at the beginning but quickly begins to add more detail and nuance. Spiced nuts. Orange citrus. A sort of candied and spiced nuttiness. Black pepper. On the palate this is texturally unique with high tension and extreme intensity. Dark fruited and powerful. No chalkiness or cream. Super focus and energy. Striking bubbles and very fine mousse. Should have waited longer but was very curious to finally drink one of these. Will definitely hold off on opening an ‘02. The more time you spend with it the more you get the sense this may be the Romanée-Conti of Champagne in that it’s magic is in the detail and nuance and demands a certain requisite knowledge and experience to really get it. Whereas Clos du Mesnil is comparatively opulent and has wonderful Chardonnay cream, is obvious and accessible, this is a darker and somewhat brooding wine that requires your attention. Fascinating. 95 - 96.
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blind Powerful, nuts chocloate but with a cracking acidity. Not that big as 96 and 02. Really more PN than usually Krug. Compared to the CDM less Tropical fruits. Nailed it. 95-96
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Champagne Dinner in Champaign (NAYA - Champaign IL): Lots of berry and apple here with superbly elegant and rounded textures. thrilled me...always wanting more feisty brightness. But that's Blanc de Noirs.
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60-års dag og blinsmaking: Blind. Noe kamfer, røde epler, flott intensitet og syre, ganske stor kropp, behagelig og kompleks sak. Tippet en E. Rodez, så så helt off var jeg ikke. Ingen venter jo å få dette blindt.
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Drink in a full vertical of d'Ambonnay. This had a nice creamy texture. Was softer than the others. Light yet plenty of power. A more feminine example of d'Ambonnay with a little less power and more finesse. Lemon, citrus, toffee, orchard fruit and freshness. Great energy and tension. Lovely wine.
HDH auction tasting at Spiaggia; 12/14/2017-12/16/2017 (Chicago, IL): 413063, bottle 1403. Leftovers from the night before, with some slightly deteriorated mousse. This has a nice softness and generosity to it; it's not a particularly heavy or powerful Krug, but there are hallmarks of the big-bodied oxidative style here all the same. Some notes of bruised apple, mushrooms, and nuts here. The acidity is enamel-stripping. The quality is still clearly apparent in this wine, but as far as price goes...
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This is dark in fruit profile, but not nearly to the extent of any of the other CdA vintages. It resembles the '00 Krug vintage in that way, and in its vibrancy and clarity. Where it really shines is on the palate, where there's a seamlessness that leaves a great impression.
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Krug 2004 Presentation (Chicago, IL): Lots of berry start-to-finish with apple hints. Incredibly rich and powerful, this seems so welcoming but really has a backward character that yearns for more time in the cellar.
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Chicago 2004 Krug Presentation (The Roof Crop): A real treat, for sure. For my palate, though, this wine needs more contemplation, focus and most importantly some good food to enjoy. The big nose is brawny with earthy red fruit and dirt. The palate is bigger and more rigid. A substantial medley of meaty, earthy, mushroomy notes. Burgundian in profile. Way too young. Upside from here, especially if you like Pinot-heavy Champagne.
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Chicago 2004 Krug Release (Chicago, IL): 413063. I think it's quite weird to stick your nose in the glass, smell the mushrooms and earth of pinot alongside the characteristic broad-shouldered Krug signature. The palate was where this got interesting. I found the midpalate a bit softer and less powerful than the other wines tonight, but the finish was extremely persistent. In fact, that the wine just kept going on and on, despite the relatively lighter midpalate, was the most compelling thing about this.
2013 disgorge. The richness clearly comes out when served next to the 2000 Mesnil. Rich fruit, dry white flowers, hints of eucalyptus and lavender. Mustier as it warms. Dry palate with hints of ginger, dry jackfruit. Softened acids although finish becomes slightly tart with time. A different experience when served alongside the Mesnil vs alone. Served with caviar. 94+
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Champagne (Mostly) Dinner (Bar Boulud - New York NY): Very rich apple and strawberry. Big fruit, rounded and powerful with moderate length. i like the textures here. Served alongside 2000 Mesnil and 2000 Grande Cuvee.
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Immediately recognizable as a pinot noir driven champagne. Beautiful, weighty pinot nose. Gorgeous and round on the palate. Great as this is, it is not quite as pleasing as the 2000 Clos de Mesnil, perhaps because the Mesnil has slightly better freshness that carries the biscuit aromas.
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Second bottle of the evening. Consumed after having been opened for three hours. Attractive notes of fresh glazed doughnut, but the acids suffered somewhat in this bottle with a slight sourness to the backpalate. Still, a very good bottle of wine.
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Rich ripe fruit (pear and mango), wild honey, light ginger, dry oyster shell, dry lemon, and tart acid (noticeably more than the '96). Paired with foie gras and strawberry tart.
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Similar in general character although somewhat more developed than a bottle six months ago. Warm and creamy with light yeast tones and a hint of salinity. Crisp acidity but with a light touch. This will require 10+ years before it shows fully. Great depth and complexity. Consumed with langoustine. 95+
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Krug dinner and tasting (Netherlands): Expressive lovely and complex nose. Citrus, honey, hazelnut, brioche and more. Really drown in it. Taste very concentrated, mineral, fresh, floral. Complex and changing in time. Finish is a bit short compared to the Vintage 1996, probably because this is still a very young champagne. Lovely. Will be stellar in time.
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On the nose, chalk, light vanilla, citrus, light honey, sweet brioche, dry rocks and cocoa powder. On the palate, very fresh with healthy acid, light wood and floral notes and balancing minerality. More yeast and less honeysuckle as compared to the 95. Opened 3 hours in advance of drinking, which certainly wasn't too long. Paired with foie gras.
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6/5/2022 - Elvis1969 Likes this wine: 97 Points
Dark fruit, leather, library, nougat, hazel nuts, orange chocolate, strawberries, nice acidity and a long finish.
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8/15/2021 - The Vines That Bind wrote: 95 Points
Nose is initially oxidative and seems to strike a singular berry and citrus note. Smells like Krug at the beginning but quickly begins to add more detail and nuance. Spiced nuts. Orange citrus. A sort of candied and spiced nuttiness. Black pepper. On the palate this is texturally unique with high tension and extreme intensity. Dark fruited and powerful. No chalkiness or cream. Super focus and energy. Striking bubbles and very fine mousse. Should have waited longer but was very curious to finally drink one of these. Will definitely hold off on opening an ‘02. The more time you spend with it the more you get the sense this may be the Romanée-Conti of Champagne in that it’s magic is in the detail and nuance and demands a certain requisite knowledge and experience to really get it. Whereas Clos du Mesnil is comparatively opulent and has wonderful Chardonnay cream, is obvious and accessible, this is a darker and somewhat brooding wine that requires your attention. Fascinating. 95 - 96.
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1/27/2021 - aquacongas Likes this wine: 96 Points
blind
Powerful, nuts chocloate but with a cracking acidity. Not that big as 96 and 02. Really more PN than usually Krug. Compared to the CDM less Tropical fruits. Nailed it. 95-96
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7/30/2019 - Burgundy Al wrote: 93 Points
Champagne Dinner in Champaign (NAYA - Champaign IL): Lots of berry and apple here with superbly elegant and rounded textures. thrilled me...always wanting more feisty brightness. But that's Blanc de Noirs.
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6/19/2019 - steinersing wrote: 95 Points
very consistent, nose and body fully in sync. Great intensity and for a blanc do noirs quite elegant with excellent acidity. Lot much minerality.
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6/9/2019 - LWI wrote: 94 Points
60-års dag og blinsmaking: Blind. Noe kamfer, røde epler, flott intensitet og syre, ganske stor kropp, behagelig og kompleks sak. Tippet en E. Rodez, så så helt off var jeg ikke. Ingen venter jo å få dette blindt.
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7/1/2018 - Kemo Sabe Likes this wine: 95 Points
Drink in a full vertical of d'Ambonnay. This had a nice creamy texture. Was softer than the others. Light yet plenty of power. A more feminine example of d'Ambonnay with a little less power and more finesse. Lemon, citrus, toffee, orchard fruit and freshness. Great energy and tension. Lovely wine.
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6/30/2018 - Burgundy Al wrote: 93 Points
Zachys BYO Montrachet & Musigny Lunch in Burgundy (1243 Bourgogne Society - Beaune): Small glass, brief note. Big and rich start showcasing berry aromas and flavors wonderfully. Long finish, still slightly closed, with even bigger potential.
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12/15/2017 - acyso wrote:
HDH auction tasting at Spiaggia; 12/14/2017-12/16/2017 (Chicago, IL): 413063, bottle 1403. Leftovers from the night before, with some slightly deteriorated mousse. This has a nice softness and generosity to it; it's not a particularly heavy or powerful Krug, but there are hallmarks of the big-bodied oxidative style here all the same. Some notes of bruised apple, mushrooms, and nuts here. The acidity is enamel-stripping. The quality is still clearly apparent in this wine, but as far as price goes...
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10/12/2017 - psmith wrote: 94 Points
This is dark in fruit profile, but not nearly to the extent of any of the other CdA vintages. It resembles the '00 Krug vintage in that way, and in its vibrancy and clarity. Where it really shines is on the palate, where there's a seamlessness that leaves a great impression.
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10/12/2017 - Burgundy Al wrote: 93 Points
Krug 2004 Presentation (Chicago, IL): Lots of berry start-to-finish with apple hints. Incredibly rich and powerful, this seems so welcoming but really has a backward character that yearns for more time in the cellar.
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10/11/2017 - Nanda wrote: 93 Points
Chicago 2004 Krug Presentation (The Roof Crop): A real treat, for sure. For my palate, though, this wine needs more contemplation, focus and most importantly some good food to enjoy. The big nose is brawny with earthy red fruit and dirt. The palate is bigger and more rigid. A substantial medley of meaty, earthy, mushroomy notes. Burgundian in profile. Way too young. Upside from here, especially if you like Pinot-heavy Champagne.
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10/11/2017 - acyso wrote: 95 Points
Chicago 2004 Krug Release (Chicago, IL): 413063. I think it's quite weird to stick your nose in the glass, smell the mushrooms and earth of pinot alongside the characteristic broad-shouldered Krug signature. The palate was where this got interesting. I found the midpalate a bit softer and less powerful than the other wines tonight, but the finish was extremely persistent. In fact, that the wine just kept going on and on, despite the relatively lighter midpalate, was the most compelling thing about this.
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11/6/2015 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 94 Points
2013 disgorge. The richness clearly comes out when served next to the 2000 Mesnil. Rich fruit, dry white flowers, hints of eucalyptus and lavender. Mustier as it warms. Dry palate with hints of ginger, dry jackfruit. Softened acids although finish becomes slightly tart with time. A different experience when served alongside the Mesnil vs alone. Served with caviar. 94+
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10/26/2015 - Burgundy Al wrote: 94 Points
Champagne (Mostly) Dinner (Bar Boulud - New York NY): Very rich apple and strawberry. Big fruit, rounded and powerful with moderate length. i like the textures here. Served alongside 2000 Mesnil and 2000 Grande Cuvee.
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10/7/2015 - wineordeath Likes this wine: 95 Points
Immediately recognizable as a pinot noir driven champagne. Beautiful, weighty pinot nose. Gorgeous and round on the palate. Great as this is, it is not quite as pleasing as the 2000 Clos de Mesnil, perhaps because the Mesnil has slightly better freshness that carries the biscuit aromas.
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9/25/2015 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 94 Points
Second bottle of the evening. Consumed after having been opened for three hours. Attractive notes of fresh glazed doughnut, but the acids suffered somewhat in this bottle with a slight sourness to the backpalate. Still, a very good bottle of wine.
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9/25/2015 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 95 Points
Rich ripe fruit (pear and mango), wild honey, light ginger, dry oyster shell, dry lemon, and tart acid (noticeably more than the '96). Paired with foie gras and strawberry tart.
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9/24/2015 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 95 Points
Similar in general character although somewhat more developed than a bottle six months ago. Warm and creamy with light yeast tones and a hint of salinity. Crisp acidity but with a light touch. This will require 10+ years before it shows fully. Great depth and complexity. Consumed with langoustine. 95+
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8/31/2015 - Burgaddict wrote: 95 Points
Krug dinner and tasting (Netherlands): Expressive lovely and complex nose. Citrus, honey, hazelnut, brioche and more. Really drown in it. Taste very concentrated, mineral, fresh, floral. Complex and changing in time. Finish is a bit short compared to the Vintage 1996, probably because this is still a very young champagne. Lovely. Will be stellar in time.
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4/23/2015 - BradE wrote:
The 2000 d'Ambonnay is just releasing, and it's a beauty. If you're a fan of d'Ambonnay, seek this out.
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4/22/2015 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 95 Points
On the nose, chalk, light vanilla, citrus, light honey, sweet brioche, dry rocks and cocoa powder. On the palate, very fresh with healthy acid, light wood and floral notes and balancing minerality. More yeast and less honeysuckle as compared to the 95. Opened 3 hours in advance of drinking, which certainly wasn't too long. Paired with foie gras.
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