NV Krug Brut Grande Cuvée
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Tasting notes
Based on the 2013 vintage, the 169th Edition of Krug’s Grande Cuvée is a beautifully precise wine. The nose is restrained at first, pithy and an almost smoky, chalky minerality. As the wine unfurls with air, aromas of lemon peel, marzipan, sugared almonds, crème pâtissière, freshly baked brioche, jasmine and lime blossom emerge. On the palate, this is all about structure and texture – the wine tightly coiled at this youthful stage. It is taut, mineral and powerful – concentrated and on the right side of austere. A lemon curd backbone is complemented by a yeasty, almost savoury edge, the mousse fine and persistent, yet the wine mouth-filling. The energy and potential of this wine pulses, building to a long, bone-dry, saline finish. A blend of 43% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 22% Pinot Meunier, it is a blend of a staggering 146 base wines from 11 vintages, stretching back to 2000.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The NV Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition is based on the 2013 vintage and includes wines back to 2000. Fresh and wonderfully vibrant, the 169ème opens beautifully in the glass. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks soar across the palate with a stunning combination of energy and finesse. Krug ID: 121016.
This is tight to the point of being almost inexpressive yet patience is well-served as the nose slowly comes around to reveal elegant, pure and cool aromas of green apple, spice, a variety of citrus and ample yeast nuances, along with a hint of quinine. The palate impression of the middle weight flavors is equally tightly wound with a crisp, bright and intense mousse that is dense but fine, all wrapped in a very dry, youthfully austere and sneaky long finale. This is seriously good but oh so young, so it’s one to put aside for at least 5 years and 10 would not be too many.
Still vibrant and focused, with plenty of dried apple, apricot, dried lemon, lime zest, pie crust, toast and flint. Powerful and structured. Tightly wound and deep. 43% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay and 22% pinot meunier, from 2013 to older vintages. 40% reserve wine. Needs time to come together completely. Drink or hold.
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.