Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition was composed around the harvest of 2016, a year of weather conditions so contrasted, they became a caricature of the climatic pendulum. An extremely wet spring, with 70% more rainfall versus the norm between April and June, made vineyard work difficult and increased disease pressure. Clement weather ensued from flowering onwards, allowing the vineyard to recover, ending with a heatwave at the end of ripening. The marathon harvest took place from September 9 to October 2 yielding classic grapes in good health and wines all about expression and character, regardless of grape variety or origin. To create this Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée, the Cellar Master looked to accentuate the year’s elegantly diverse aromatic expressions with different plots’ reserve wines from 10 other years, giving it a unique fullness of flavours and aromas, impossible to express with the wines of a single year. The careful attention given to the vines and Krug’s unique respect for the individual character of each plot and its wine enabled the depth of expression of this Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée. It is the full orchestra, playing together the symphony of Champagne. In all, reserve wines from the House’s extensive library made up 42% of the final blend, bringing the breadth and roundness so essential to each Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée.
Decanter - 97 points
The 172ème édition, based around the 2016 vintage, is a delicate, floral and saline Grande Cuvée at this early stage in its life. The palate it taut, tightly wound, gradually unfurling into toasted fruit bread, rye bread and roasted nuts, wrapped around an intricate and taut lemon core. It's exceptionally long, spicy, rounded and spherical in shape. Notes of sweet unsalted butter round out the finish, which has such length, elegance and balance. 58% of the wine is from the 2016 vintage, which saw a lot of rain in the spring and close to flowering, with 42% from reserve wines. The blend is made up of 146 separately vinified wines from 11 different years, and the oldest wine in the blend is from the 1998 vintage. (4/2024)
James Suckling - 97 points
Beautiful notes of dried citrus fruit, lemon curd and dried apples with hints of spices, dried flowers and subtle brioche. I like the polished and caressing texture and steady, refreshing acidity. It’s fresh and even austere, with notes of ground spices. So vertical and firm. Structured and long. (5/2024)
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Vintage | Non Vintage |
| Grape | Pinot / Chardonnay |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Gift Box | Included |
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