Krug Grande Cuvee 172eme Edition Brut NV

Winery Background and History:

Founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug and now part of LVMH, Krug is celebrated for crafting the ultimate non-vintage Champagne. Grande Cuvée is composed annually from a master blend of base wines and extensive reserve wines aged across decades. The 172ᵉ Edition revolves around the 2016 vintage, with reserves dating back to 1998, exemplifying Krug’s dedication to depth, consistency, and prestige  .

Blend & Composition:

44 % Pinot Noir · 36 % Chardonnay · 20 % Pinot Meunier. Based primarily on the 2016 harvest, it integrates 42 % reserve wines, totaling 146 separate wines from 11 different years  .

ABV:

12 % ()

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes are pressurized and fermented separately, with at least 20 years of careful craftsmanship in maturation. A prolonged aging period follows—base and reserve wines spend years in cellar, with the final blend spending a minimum of six years on lees before disgorgement  .

Tasting Notes:

Pale golden with a fine, vivacious mousse. Aromas of citrus blossom, dried fruit, marzipan, honey, toasted nuts, barley sugar, and white flowers. The palate is structured yet fine, expressing lemon core, brioche, rye, roasted nuts, sea-salt freshness, and long mineral-driven elegance  .

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs beautifully as an aperitif or with refined dishes: aged Parmesan, oysters, grilled shrimp, Indian or Moroccan cuisine, and desserts like carrot cake, tarte Tatin, and cheesecake  .

Service Methods:

Serve chilled at 9–11 °C in large tulip or white-wine glass to preserve acidity and aromatic layers. No decanting needed.

Storage and Aging Potential:

Ready now (disgorged Winter 2022–2023), but will age gracefully to 2040 and beyond. With proper cellar conditions, it will evolve further in depth, minerality, and complexity  .

Scores:

• Bettane & Desseauve: 99 points 

• La Revue du Vin de France: 98 points 

• Wine Enthusiast: 98 points 

• Decanter (Natalie Earl): 97 points 

• James Suckling: 97 points 

• Falstaff: 97 points 

• Wine Spectator: 96 points 

• Antonio Galloni (Vinous): 95 points 

• Wine Advocate (Yohan Castaing): 95 points