Krug Grand Cuvee Non Vintage
The flagship of the house, Grande Cuvée is imposing in character from the first moment in the glass. The "birth" of Krug Grande Cuvée, through its first fermentation exclusively in small oak casks, ensures the unique personality and dimension that is the Krug Style.The composition of the "cuvée" is a stunning mosaic of flavors where the three champagne grapes, 20-25 growths and 6-10 different years, combine to give Krug Grande Cuvée its complexity, elegance and consistency year after year, blend after blend. To maintain this consistency Krug reserves a large selection of unblended still wines from previous vintages, blending them with the youngest crop to create a fully balanced taste. These "reserve" wines may represent between a third and a half of the cuvée.
There is no formula or recipe for Krug Grande Cuvée. Each year the Krug family meets to re-create "their" Krug Grande Cuvée. This is done with careful attention to the most minute detail so that after six years of aging, it will be in perfect continuity with previous Krugs. The bouquet is wonderfully creamy, leading to magical combination of weight and balance on the palate. The long, lingering finish is both nutty and toasty, ending with a final flourish of freshness, leaving one longing for more.
This most complex of all Champagnes is a mandatory selection, whenever it is submitted. Around 50 different base wines are routinely blended to make each batch of Grand Reserve. Moreover, up to half the volume will be reserve wine from six to 10 vintages, all having been fermented in old oak barrels. Small wonder it is so complex, with a melange of honey, dried fruits, nuts and brioche, swelling in the mouth before surprisngly youthful spine of acidity. $260 97 points James Halliday
