Champagne
Champagne, the epitome of elegance and celebration, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of sparkling wines. As one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, Champagne has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs with its exceptional quality, refined craftsmanship, and iconic vineyards.
Historically, Champagne has been dominated by some world-acclaimed Champagne House, which source grapes and harvest from Champagne growers. These famous Grandes Marques include Louis Roederer (Cristal), Dom Pérignon, Krug, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Bollinger, all of them are revered for their notable names that display unrivalled winemaking prestige and pedigree.
In the recent decade, the emerging Grower Champagne trend in Champagne is shaking up the industry by challenging the dominance of the big Champagne houses. These small-scale producers, also known as "Récoltant-Manipulant" or RM, grow their own grapes and produce their own Champagne, showcasing the unique terroir and character of their vineyards. Jacques Selosse, Ulysse Collin, and Champagne Vilmart & Cie are among the most prominent names in this trend, producing some truly artisanal and terroir-driven Champagnes.
Champagne is primarily made from three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes are carefully selected and blended to create a harmonious and complex flavour profile. Chardonnay contributes elegance, freshness, and finesse, while Pinot Noir adds structure, depth, and fruitiness. Pinot Meunier brings a touch of roundness and vibrancy to the blend.
The region of Champagne is divided into several distinct sub-regions, including Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. Each sub-region has its unique terroir, characterized by variations in soil composition and microclimates, which influence the style and character of the wines produced.
Champagne offers various styles, from non-vintage blends to vintage cuvées and prestigious prestige cuvées. While Non-vintage Champagnes typically epitomise the house style, the vintage Champagnes are made from grapes harvested in one particular year (top vintages such as 1996, 2002, 2008 etc), in which these wines showcase the unique characteristics of the specific vintage.
The prestige cuvées, often the flagship wines of the renowned Champagne houses, are the pinnacle of excellence. These exceptional Champagnes are created using the finest grapes, the most meticulous winemaking techniques and often benefit from extended ageing to achieve unparalleled complexity and finesse.
Champagne is synonymous with celebration, elegance, and luxury. Its effervescent charm and timeless appeal have made it the drink of choice for countless special occasions and memorable moments. With its rich history, iconic vineyards, and unrivalled quality, Champagne continues to captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
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Champagne
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£2,789.84 |
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Decanter (100)The bouquet has a magnificent classicism to it, comprising notes of yellow fruits, spices including white pepper, flowers and a mineral edge. With aeration, scents of menthol emerge from the glass. The palate is upright in character, but elegant and crystalline, with a long, structured finish of chalky density. A Champagne having both thrust, tension and aerial lightness in which finesse and power are allies. A masterpiece. Krug Chef de Cave Julie Cavil said 2002 was 'the last classic year in Champagne, one without extreme elements and with optimal ripeness obtained step by step'.100% Pinot Noir from 0.68ha located in the village of Ambonnay. Dosage: 4g/l. |
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Champagne | 1 | 99 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£5,925.44 |
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Vinous (99)The 1979 Krug Clos du Mesnil is one of my all-time favorites. It boasts mind-blowing intensity in its dazzling layers of mineral-infused fruit. At times the 1979 comes across as intensely pointed and focused, but it changes constantly in the glass, showing elements of richness and creaminess as well. There is fabulous depth and purity in the 1979, not to mention an insanely beautiful, palate-staining finish. The 1979 was picked on October 9th, one of the latest harvests on record for the Clos. |
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Champagne | 1 | 95 (VT) |
Inc. VAT
£2,915.84 |
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Vintage Tastings (95)Robert called it a 'lemon bomb' and found it fresher and 'more minerally, but too immature.' It was much too young and very linear as a result, a touch oaky yet indubitably great, but way too young. It was interesting how the Bollinger was so much more mature than the Krug, although that could come down to storage as well |
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Champagne | 2 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,482.51 |
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Vinous (100)Krug's 1996 Clos du Mesnil remains one of the greatest Champagnes I have ever tasted. Deep, powerful and explosive, the 1996 possesses tremendous energy. The first signs of aromatic maturity are just starting to appear, but the 1996 remains driven by a range of citrus and mineral-drenched flavors. Readers lucky enough own the 1996 can look forward to many years of pure drinking pleasure. The 1996 is simply sublime. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£1,635.44 |
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Decanter (100)Singly and emphatically the greatest Champagne release of recent years. Grand malic acidity of dizzyingly heightened proportions is swept up in an immense, all-consuming tidal wave of frothing, sea-salt minerality, crashing with such structure that any mortal wine would collapse breathless in its wake. Yet herein lies the triumph of 2002, the vintage that more than any other reverberates with looming structure, yet meets it commandingly with awe-inspiring fruit presence. This sets it with a life expectancy of a century, no less. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,379.84 |
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Vinous (98+)The 2004 Clos du Mesnil captures all the pedigree of this epic Blanc des Blancs vintage. A soaring, majestic Champagne, the 2004 dazzles from the very first taste with its crystalline purity and brightness. In two tastings so far, the 2004 has been nothing less than a total showstopper. The vertical structure and pure, tightly-coiled power are the stuff dreams are made of. There is little doubt the 2004 is one of the very finest Clos du Mesnils in recent memory. Will it join the 1979, 1988 and 1996 as one of the all-time greats? Now, that is a tasting I would love to do! |
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Champagne | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,382.24 |
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James Suckling (99)This is a fabulous edition of Clos du Mesnil. The pure chardonnay is magnificent with density and agility at the same time. Apple and mineral notes with cream and biscuit character. Citrus and hints of mirabelle. Chalky, yet stony at the same time. Layered, yet linear and really long. But remains subtle. The acidity is so precise and focuses the flavors and nature. Lasts for minutes. Even better than the 2004. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (FS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,948.64 |
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Falstaff (100)Medium greenish yellow, fine golden reflections, delicate, integrated mousse. A hint of fresh lime and almond cake, nuances of orange marmalade, ethereal notes, some lemon balm, dark minerality, a multi-faceted bouquet. Taut on the palate, underlying cookie, full-bodied and elegant, fine ripe fruitiness with white stone fruit, lemony nuances, some candied kumquats, convincing freshness, salty notes, some herbal savouriness in the finish, has great length and assured ageing potential; a wine of convincing depth and character. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£1,564.64 |
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Decanter (97)At first, this exhibited alluring tropical passion fruit notes. But five years ago, it was transformed into a more honed and classical Clos du Mesnil. Now, it is even more beautiful, having developed buttery, almost fudge-scented notes which complement the stunning acidity. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£4,952.81 |
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Vinous (97)The 1981 Collection (Magnum) has begun to slowly enter a plateau of maturity marked by slightly oxidative, tertiary notes that give the wine its burnished, resonant personality. Open-knit and creamy on the palate, the 1981 is an ideal wine for current drinking, as it is not likely to improve much from here. Stone fruit, vanilla, hazelnut, truffle, orange peel brioche and dried flowers are some of the many notes that grace the exquisite finish. This is a tremendous showing. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,445.71 |
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Vinous (97)Tasted from magnum, the 1985 Krug Collection is a poignant reminder of just how well Champagne ages in the big bottle. Extraordinarily complex and yet so subtle, the 1985 is utterly captivating. A slight hint of Burgundian reduction adds aromatic nuance and intrigue as this stellar, silky Champagne shows off its pure pedigree. The 1985 is at a glorious peak of expression, but has more than enough freshness to drink well for another 10-15 years, perhaps more. What a wine. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,023.44 |
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Vinous (97)The 1988 Collection offers stunning interplay of vintage 1988 vibrancy with the complexity that has developed in bottle. Apricot, pastry, brioche, dried flowers, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all infuse the 1988 with notable complexity and nuance. At 31 years of age, the 1988 Collection remains taut, classically austere and full of energy. It will drink well for another 20 years or more. |
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Champagne | 1 | 19 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£1,028.11 |
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Jancis Robinson (19)Tasted blind. Pale tawny. Masses of evolution and depth. Bruised apples and some tarte-Tatin juice on the nose. Rich on the palate. Really broad and majestic with relatively low acid. This was a bit soft and was disgorged some time ago. It was in the comforting rather than energising spectrum. |
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Champagne | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£987.31 |
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Champagne | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£4,815.14 |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£2,118.40 |
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The case contains:
More Info
1 x 75cl Krug Clos du Mesnil 2003 - 97 points | Wine Spectator 1 x 75cl Krug 2003 - 95 points | Vinous 1 x 75cl Krug Grande Cuvée NV |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£4,525.60 |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£3,092.72 |
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Champagne | 2 | 96+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,460.66 |
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Wine Advocate (96+)Compared to Krug's 160th edition, the bright golden-yellow colored NV Grande Cuvée 166ème Édition (ID117010) is still a baby that shows the chalky and fruity features of a young white Burgundy intermixed with notes of Schwarzwälder Kirsch (dark cherries with black chocolate) and floral (ammonia) flavors on the pure, fresh and elegant yet intense and still yeasty brioche nose with its ripe apple aromas and refreshingly bright (lemon juice) overtones. Round, wide and very elegant yet also straight and tense on the palate, this 2010-dominated cuvée is very delicate, fresh and chalky but also dense and lush in its vinous texture. The finish is well-structured, fresh and persistent, indicating great complexity and vibrancy. However, I would wait at least another three years, during which time the 166th edition will gain even more finesse and quiet. The 166ème Édition is composed of 140 wines from 13 different harvests between 1998 and 2010, and it's a blend of 45% Pinot Noir with 39% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Meunier, the latter of which provides the vivacity that the Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs surprisingly didn't have in 2010, a vintage that was marked by its "tumultuous climate," as Eric Lebel writes. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£255.20 |
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Vinous (96)The NV Grande Cuvée 170ème Édition, (2014 base vintage) is rich, ample and explosive. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant, the 170 offers an exotic mélange of dried orchard fruit, pear, spice and crushed flowers. Chef de Caves Eric Lebel was not especially excited about 2014 when I saw him a few months after the harvest, as yields in Pinot Noir and Meunier were adversely affected. Perhaps for that reason the 170 contains more reserve wines than most editions. Regardless, the Krug team crafted an absolutely brilliant Grande Cuvée. The blend is 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 11% Meunier, vintages 2014 through 1998. Disgorged: Autumn 2021. Krug ID: 421062. |
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|
Champagne | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,055.06 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The NV Grande Cuvée 170ème Édition, (2014 base vintage) is rich, ample and explosive. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant, the 170 offers an exotic mélange of dried orchard fruit, pear, spice and crushed flowers. Chef de Caves Eric Lebel was not especially excited about 2014 when I saw him a few months after the harvest, as yields in Pinot Noir and Meunier were adversely affected. Perhaps for that reason the 170 contains more reserve wines than most editions. Regardless, the Krug team crafted an absolutely brilliant Grande Cuvée. The blend is 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 11% Meunier, vintages 2014 through 1998. Disgorged: Autumn 2021. Krug ID: 421062. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 100 (DC) |
In Bond
£2,322.00 |
|||||
Decanter (100)The bouquet has a magnificent classicism to it, comprising notes of yellow fruits, spices including white pepper, flowers and a mineral edge. With aeration, scents of menthol emerge from the glass. The palate is upright in character, but elegant and crystalline, with a long, structured finish of chalky density. A Champagne having both thrust, tension and aerial lightness in which finesse and power are allies. A masterpiece. Krug Chef de Cave Julie Cavil said 2002 was 'the last classic year in Champagne, one without extreme elements and with optimal ripeness obtained step by step'.100% Pinot Noir from 0.68ha located in the village of Ambonnay. Dosage: 4g/l. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 99 (VN) |
In Bond
£4,935.00 |
|||||
Vinous (99)The 1979 Krug Clos du Mesnil is one of my all-time favorites. It boasts mind-blowing intensity in its dazzling layers of mineral-infused fruit. At times the 1979 comes across as intensely pointed and focused, but it changes constantly in the glass, showing elements of richness and creaminess as well. There is fabulous depth and purity in the 1979, not to mention an insanely beautiful, palate-staining finish. The 1979 was picked on October 9th, one of the latest harvests on record for the Clos. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 95 (VT) |
In Bond
£2,427.00 |
|||||
Vintage Tastings (95)Robert called it a 'lemon bomb' and found it fresher and 'more minerally, but too immature.' It was much too young and very linear as a result, a touch oaky yet indubitably great, but way too young. It was interesting how the Bollinger was so much more mature than the Krug, although that could come down to storage as well |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 2 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
£2,066.00 |
|||||
Vinous (100)Krug's 1996 Clos du Mesnil remains one of the greatest Champagnes I have ever tasted. Deep, powerful and explosive, the 1996 possesses tremendous energy. The first signs of aromatic maturity are just starting to appear, but the 1996 remains driven by a range of citrus and mineral-drenched flavors. Readers lucky enough own the 1996 can look forward to many years of pure drinking pleasure. The 1996 is simply sublime. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 100 (DC) |
In Bond
£1,360.00 |
|||||
Decanter (100)Singly and emphatically the greatest Champagne release of recent years. Grand malic acidity of dizzyingly heightened proportions is swept up in an immense, all-consuming tidal wave of frothing, sea-salt minerality, crashing with such structure that any mortal wine would collapse breathless in its wake. Yet herein lies the triumph of 2002, the vintage that more than any other reverberates with looming structure, yet meets it commandingly with awe-inspiring fruit presence. This sets it with a life expectancy of a century, no less. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 98+ (VN) |
In Bond
£1,147.00 |
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Vinous (98+)The 2004 Clos du Mesnil captures all the pedigree of this epic Blanc des Blancs vintage. A soaring, majestic Champagne, the 2004 dazzles from the very first taste with its crystalline purity and brightness. In two tastings so far, the 2004 has been nothing less than a total showstopper. The vertical structure and pure, tightly-coiled power are the stuff dreams are made of. There is little doubt the 2004 is one of the very finest Clos du Mesnils in recent memory. Will it join the 1979, 1988 and 1996 as one of the all-time greats? Now, that is a tasting I would love to do! |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,149.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)This is a fabulous edition of Clos du Mesnil. The pure chardonnay is magnificent with density and agility at the same time. Apple and mineral notes with cream and biscuit character. Citrus and hints of mirabelle. Chalky, yet stony at the same time. Layered, yet linear and really long. But remains subtle. The acidity is so precise and focuses the flavors and nature. Lasts for minutes. Even better than the 2004. Drink or hold. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 100 (FS) |
In Bond
£1,621.00 |
|||||
Falstaff (100)Medium greenish yellow, fine golden reflections, delicate, integrated mousse. A hint of fresh lime and almond cake, nuances of orange marmalade, ethereal notes, some lemon balm, dark minerality, a multi-faceted bouquet. Taut on the palate, underlying cookie, full-bodied and elegant, fine ripe fruitiness with white stone fruit, lemony nuances, some candied kumquats, convincing freshness, salty notes, some herbal savouriness in the finish, has great length and assured ageing potential; a wine of convincing depth and character. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (DC) |
In Bond
£1,301.00 |
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Decanter (97)At first, this exhibited alluring tropical passion fruit notes. But five years ago, it was transformed into a more honed and classical Clos du Mesnil. Now, it is even more beautiful, having developed buttery, almost fudge-scented notes which complement the stunning acidity. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£4,122.00 |
|||||
Vinous (97)The 1981 Collection (Magnum) has begun to slowly enter a plateau of maturity marked by slightly oxidative, tertiary notes that give the wine its burnished, resonant personality. Open-knit and creamy on the palate, the 1981 is an ideal wine for current drinking, as it is not likely to improve much from here. Stone fruit, vanilla, hazelnut, truffle, orange peel brioche and dried flowers are some of the many notes that grace the exquisite finish. This is a tremendous showing. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,202.00 |
|||||
Vinous (97)Tasted from magnum, the 1985 Krug Collection is a poignant reminder of just how well Champagne ages in the big bottle. Extraordinarily complex and yet so subtle, the 1985 is utterly captivating. A slight hint of Burgundian reduction adds aromatic nuance and intrigue as this stellar, silky Champagne shows off its pure pedigree. The 1985 is at a glorious peak of expression, but has more than enough freshness to drink well for another 10-15 years, perhaps more. What a wine. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£850.00 |
|||||
Vinous (97)The 1988 Collection offers stunning interplay of vintage 1988 vibrancy with the complexity that has developed in bottle. Apricot, pastry, brioche, dried flowers, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all infuse the 1988 with notable complexity and nuance. At 31 years of age, the 1988 Collection remains taut, classically austere and full of energy. It will drink well for another 20 years or more. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 19 (JR) |
In Bond
£854.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (19)Tasted blind. Pale tawny. Masses of evolution and depth. Bruised apples and some tarte-Tatin juice on the nose. Rich on the palate. Really broad and majestic with relatively low acid. This was a bit soft and was disgorged some time ago. It was in the comforting rather than energising spectrum. |
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|
|
Champagne | 2 | - |
In Bond
£820.00 |
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|
|
Champagne | 2 | - |
In Bond
£4,003.00 |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
£1,755.00 |
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The case contains:
More Info
1 x 75cl Krug Clos du Mesnil 2003 - 97 points | Wine Spectator 1 x 75cl Krug 2003 - 95 points | Vinous 1 x 75cl Krug Grande Cuvée NV |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
£3,761.00 |
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|
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Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
£2,569.00 |
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Champagne | 2 | 96+ (WA) |
In Bond
£1,200.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96+)Compared to Krug's 160th edition, the bright golden-yellow colored NV Grande Cuvée 166ème Édition (ID117010) is still a baby that shows the chalky and fruity features of a young white Burgundy intermixed with notes of Schwarzwälder Kirsch (dark cherries with black chocolate) and floral (ammonia) flavors on the pure, fresh and elegant yet intense and still yeasty brioche nose with its ripe apple aromas and refreshingly bright (lemon juice) overtones. Round, wide and very elegant yet also straight and tense on the palate, this 2010-dominated cuvée is very delicate, fresh and chalky but also dense and lush in its vinous texture. The finish is well-structured, fresh and persistent, indicating great complexity and vibrancy. However, I would wait at least another three years, during which time the 166th edition will gain even more finesse and quiet. The 166ème Édition is composed of 140 wines from 13 different harvests between 1998 and 2010, and it's a blend of 45% Pinot Noir with 39% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Meunier, the latter of which provides the vivacity that the Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs surprisingly didn't have in 2010, a vintage that was marked by its "tumultuous climate," as Eric Lebel writes. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£210.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The NV Grande Cuvée 170ème Édition, (2014 base vintage) is rich, ample and explosive. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant, the 170 offers an exotic mélange of dried orchard fruit, pear, spice and crushed flowers. Chef de Caves Eric Lebel was not especially excited about 2014 when I saw him a few months after the harvest, as yields in Pinot Noir and Meunier were adversely affected. Perhaps for that reason the 170 contains more reserve wines than most editions. Regardless, the Krug team crafted an absolutely brilliant Grande Cuvée. The blend is 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 11% Meunier, vintages 2014 through 1998. Disgorged: Autumn 2021. Krug ID: 421062. |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£862.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The NV Grande Cuvée 170ème Édition, (2014 base vintage) is rich, ample and explosive. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant, the 170 offers an exotic mélange of dried orchard fruit, pear, spice and crushed flowers. Chef de Caves Eric Lebel was not especially excited about 2014 when I saw him a few months after the harvest, as yields in Pinot Noir and Meunier were adversely affected. Perhaps for that reason the 170 contains more reserve wines than most editions. Regardless, the Krug team crafted an absolutely brilliant Grande Cuvée. The blend is 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 11% Meunier, vintages 2014 through 1998. Disgorged: Autumn 2021. Krug ID: 421062. |
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