NV Krug Grande Cuvee Edition 171
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Tasting notes
The 171st edition of Krug’s Grande Cuvée is predictably superb. Based on the 2015 vintage, it is such a baby at the moment – a structured and tight wine that needs time in bottle to reveal its potential. The nose is a little shy, with red-apple skin, lemon pith, toasted brioche, strawberry sherbet and crème pâtissière notes gradually emerging with time. The palate is firm and almost stern with its framework of fruit and the persistent, finely textured mousse. Powerful yet with finesse, there’s a wave of lemon curd and honey that leads onto a long, flinty mineral finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The NV Grande Cuvée 171ème Édition, based on the 2015 vintage, is every bit as impressive as it was the last time I tasted it. Creamy, layered and resonant, the 171 is seriously impressive. The style is one that favors tension over volume. Lemon peel, white flowers and white pepper open first. Hints of marzipan, tangerine peel and spice add an exotic flair to this mid-weight, understated Grand Cuvée. Floral notes and bright acids perk up the finish. The 171 is wonderfully fresh and vibrant from start to finish. The blend is 45% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay and 18% Meunier, vintages 2015 through 2000. Krug ID: 122013. Disgorged: Winter: 2021-2022.
Spanning from 1998 through the 2015 vintage, the NV Champagne Grande Cuvée 171 is lush with a kaleidoscope of aromas including orange marmalade, toasted brioche, almond, and ripe peaches. Full-bodied and rounded, it has a hint of warmth on the finish, but it’s highly attractive, balanced, and long, with outstanding depth and richness. This fantastic expression of the Grand Cuvée is gorgeous right out of the gate and will be a great addition for collectors to enjoy over the coming two decades. Drink 2023-2043.
Based on the 2015 vintage, a blend of 134 base wines back to 2000. (Note that a new Krug app will read the famous Krug ID codes immediately.) Very lively, crisp nose. Tense and surprisingly vibrant for such a hot growing season – positively explosive in terms of its impact on the nose and palate. Lots of acidity and impressively long. A very good Krug, Grande Cuvée. (JR)
About the producer
Krug is a remarkable Champagne House which only makes prestige cuvées. The wines – with their distinctive rich, complex, oxidative style – are some of the region’s best.