2003 Krug Clos du Mesnil

The 2003 Clos du Mesnil is insanely beautiful. Vivid, resonant and textured in the glass, the 2003 boasts magnificent depth and pure breed. Since I last tasted it a few months ago, the 2003 has begun to shut down, which is probably a great sign for its future and overall longevity. Hints of smoke, slate and dried pear gradually open up in the glass, but the 2003 mostly stands out for its exceptional finesse.

2003 was especially difficult in Mesnil, because the frost in early April halved the crop. 8,671 bottles and 659 magnums were made. Harvested 27 and 29 August. Really impressive nose – very broad, creamy, and flinty, with a little bit of reductiveness combining with a smoky flavour and a lovely dairy yoghurt character. Dry and savoury, fabulous length and intensity on the palate. The reputation of this cuvée is deserved in the sense of the sheer quality of flavours and the massive depth on display. It doesn’t seem clumsy in the way that some 2003s do – but it isn’t doesn't have the defining acidity of, say, Salon 2002. In fact it is quite soft. The real attraction, though, is the range and power of the nose. (RH)

"The 2003 Clos du Mesnil is insanely beautiful. Vivid, resonant and textured in the glass, the 2003 boasts magnificent depth and pure breed. Since I last tasted it a few months ago, the 2003 has begun to shut down, which is probably a great sign for its future and overall longevity. Hints of smoke, slate and dried pear gradually open up in the glass, but the 2003 mostly stands out for its exceptional finesse." (Nov 2014) www.vinous.com Drink 2017-2033