Champagne Krug, Grande Cuvée, 169ème Édition, Brut

Instantly recognizable aromatic depth and complexity here. The DNA of Grande Cuvée looms large on the nose with fresh-baked brioche, crushed almond, subtle baking spices and stony notes, as well as an array of stone fruit. The palate delivers a wide spectrum of citrus, from lemon to orange to grapefruit and beyond. The chardonnay really impresses in a long, concentrated mode. 43% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay and 22% pinot meunier. It contains 40% reserve wine and is composed of 146 different components from 11 different vintages, the youngest being 2013 and the oldest 2000. Drink or hold.

Blend of 146 wines from 11 different years, the youngest of which is from 2013, while the oldest dates back to 2000. The final composition is 43% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 22%. Disgorged early 2020. Deep copper gold. Tiny, tiny bead. Much more obvious acidity, age and lightly oaky?) savour on the nose than Cristal 2013. Aérien with blossomy notes with a little mandarin. Very marked acidity on the palate. A real wake-up call! Sleek and fresh and truly spring-like with a light yeasty note on the very long finish. The most pleasure to be had initially is in the nose and the finish. The palate is still a bit of shock. This should have a long life. Bone-dry finish and playing the intellectual card. Throbs on the palate with all its vibrancy. Long. Tighter than the 168ème Édition. Structure dominates fruit.

Drink 2022 - 2040

The floral bouquet is very fine and elegant but also quite delicate, suffused with touches of slightly candied citrus, but the telltale autolytic note of hazelnuts is less pronounced than usual. There is, however, some almond nuttiness on the palate, as well as racy rectitude and vivacity that give thrust to a long, surprisingly breezy finish. Will benefit from five to 10 years of cellaring. Disgorged January 2020. Dosage: 4.5g/L. Elaborated from 146 wines and 11 different vintages, the oldest of which dates back to 2000. 40% reserve wines.

Drink 2021 - 2035.