Area under vines: 20 hectares
Winemaker: Eric Lebel
Wines Vineyard Holdings:
ID 407001. 42% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Meunier. Deep golden straw. Less intense nose than the Grande Cuvee ID 313054. Edge of bread dough. Firm with masses of acidity. Quite demanding. The acidity of the year dominates this wine for the moment. Very dry impression. Almost austere. I would age this wine longer to allow it to soften a bit. Very much less flattering than the Grande Cuvee based on 2006 tasted alongside.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030
The 1996 Vintage is magnificent. A towering, explosive Champagne, the 1996 delivers the house s signature breadth in a full-bodied, structured Champagne with enough pure density and acidity to age well for decades. Warm nutty and spiced overtones add nuance on the finish. The 1996 is just beginning to enter the early part of its mature stage, where it is sure to remain for several decades. Krug’s Vintage is one of the truly epic wines of the year.
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026
The 1996 Krug Vintage remains one of the greatest Champagnes ever made. It is also far less expensive than either the Clos du Mesnil or Clos d’Ambonnay but equally as delicious. This bottle is stratospheric, with layers of explosive fruit that flow effortlessly to the multi-dimensional, captivating finish. It is another eternal Champagne from Krug.
