Krug 1996

Krug

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Tasting Notes
The real surprise among Krug’s 1996s is the 1996 Vintage, which is drinking beautifully, even among this rarified air of single-vineyard Champagnes. The 1996 Vintage is explosive and creamy, with just the right balance of power, richness and freshness. The mousse is perhaps just a touch less refined than in the 1996 Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay, but it is also perfectly measured with the wine’s exuberant personality. This multi-dimensional, textured Champagne is at the early part of its drinking window and promises to deliver an incredible drinking experience over the coming decades. The take-away from this flight of 1996s from Krug is simple. Although the 1996 Vintage can’t possibly be described as inexpensive, it shows exceptionally well next to its much more expensive brethren and clearly delivers a similar level of quality. Readers who have the opportunity to pick up this wine should not hesitate. Score: 98 Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009-2036 01 December 2009
The 1996 Vintage explodes from the glass with heady aromas that lead to a richly-textured expression of fruit. There is superb depth and richness, as endless layers of candied apricots, quince, pears, spices and toasted nuts continue to emerge from the glass. Later on, notes of almonds and lemon peel make an appearance, adding further complexity. This powerful, remarkably complete Champagne offers tremendous balance and the potential to continue to develop in bottle for two decades, if not considerably longer. Those fortunate enough to own this wine should be thrilled! Anticipated maturity: 2010-2026. Score: 97 Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2026 30 December 2008
Quite a bit of development on the nose of this bottle and then notable 1996 acidity on the finish. Just a slight lack of weight in the middle and a very dry finish. Score: 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2010-2020 03 August 2009
Light gold. Remarkably perfumed nose projects an exotic bouquet of deep, leesy yellow fruit, minerals, honeycomb, smoked meat and flowers, with Asian spices building expanding in the glass. Almost painfully concentrated, offering a surreal parade of orchard and pit fruits, smoked meat, toasted brioche and marrow braced by intensely salty, stunningly incisive minerality. Imagine a Frankenstein's monster of Chablis Le Clos and Clos Ste. Hune-but one with perfect balance, of course-and you get an idea of what I found in my bottle. The energetic, stony character builds exponentially on the finish, which didn't seem to, well, finish. The best analogy I can come up with for the intensity, focus and clarity of this Champagne is liquefied barbed wire. Utterly hallucinatory and one of the most amazing wines I've ever been fortunate enough to drink. At the risk of sounding completely out of touch with reality, this is a value. (99+ Points) Score: 99 Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar 01 November 2007
A powerful, majestic Champagne. Deep and compelling, with aromas of whole-grain toast, coconut and dried citrus that draw you in. Lean and racy on the palate, with a creaminess that's yet to be integrated. A classic '96, with ripe, exotic aromas and a steely structure. Still a baby, with the long, resonant finish confirming its potential. Best from 2009 through 2040. 10,000 cases made. Score: 99 Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2009-2040 31 July 2007

Tasting Notes

The real surprise among Krug’s 1996s is the 1996 Vintage, which is drinking beautifully, even among this rarified air of single-vineyard Champagnes. The 1996 Vintage is explosive and creamy, with just the right balance of power, richness and freshness. The mousse is perhaps just a touch less refined than in the 1996 Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay, but it is also perfectly measured with the wine’s exuberant personality. This multi-dimensional, textured Champagne is at the early part of its drinking window and promises to deliver an incredible drinking experience over the coming decades. The take-away from this flight of 1996s from Krug is simple. Although the 1996 Vintage can’t possibly be described as inexpensive, it shows exceptionally well next to its much more expensive brethren and clearly delivers a similar level of quality. Readers who have the opportunity to pick up this wine should not hesitate.

Score: 98

Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009-2036 01 December 2009

The 1996 Vintage explodes from the glass with heady aromas that lead to a richly-textured expression of fruit. There is superb depth and richness, as endless layers of candied apricots, quince, pears, spices and toasted nuts continue to emerge from the glass. Later on, notes of almonds and lemon peel make an appearance, adding further complexity. This powerful, remarkably complete Champagne offers tremendous balance and the potential to continue to develop in bottle for two decades, if not considerably longer. Those fortunate enough to own this wine should be thrilled! Anticipated maturity: 2010-2026.

Score: 97

Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2026 30 December 2008

Quite a bit of development on the nose of this bottle and then notable 1996 acidity on the finish. Just a slight lack of weight in the middle and a very dry finish.

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2010-2020 03 August 2009

Light gold. Remarkably perfumed nose projects an exotic bouquet of deep, leesy yellow fruit, minerals, honeycomb, smoked meat and flowers, with Asian spices building expanding in the glass. Almost painfully concentrated, offering a surreal parade of orchard and pit fruits, smoked meat, toasted brioche and marrow braced by intensely salty, stunningly incisive minerality. Imagine a Frankenstein's monster of Chablis Le Clos and Clos Ste. Hune-but one with perfect balance, of course-and you get an idea of what I found in my bottle. The energetic, stony character builds exponentially on the finish, which didn't seem to, well, finish. The best analogy I can come up with for the intensity, focus and clarity of this Champagne is liquefied barbed wire. Utterly hallucinatory and one of the most amazing wines I've ever been fortunate enough to drink. At the risk of sounding completely out of touch with reality, this is a value. (99+ Points)

Score: 99

Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar 01 November 2007

A powerful, majestic Champagne. Deep and compelling, with aromas of whole-grain toast, coconut and dried citrus that draw you in. Lean and racy on the palate, with a creaminess that's yet to be integrated. A classic '96, with ripe, exotic aromas and a steely structure. Still a baby, with the long, resonant finish confirming its potential. Best from 2009 through 2040. 10,000 cases made.

Score: 99

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2009-2040 31 July 2007

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