Krug : Clos du Mesnil 2002

A lovely, lacy Champagne, with ripe apricot, fennel seed and espresso aromas. This caresses the palate with a finely detailed mousse and expansive flavors of pineapple pâte de fruit, toasted brioche, fleur de sel and grated ginger. Long and chalky on the finish, this is a prima ballerina, showing power cloaked in grace. Disgorged winter 2015. Drink now through 2032.

Very lively, taut and willowy. Very long and lean and vital. Sort of electric energy. Blackcurrant-leaf flavours. (JR)

The 2002 Clos du Mesnil is wonderfully pliant and expressive in the glass. The radiant personality of the year comes through in the wine’s ripe, tropically-leaning flavors and open-knit personality. I imagine the 2002 will develop at a relatively fast pace by Clos du Mesnil standards. Even so, there is more than enough freshness underpinning the fruit to support at least two decades of very fine drinking.

A highly anticipated Clos du Mesnil in this landmark vintage. This Chardonnay, vinified in small Champagne barrels (205 liters), unfolds a subtly exotic and spicy nose over a palate of great power and depth, with a surprising saline sensation on the finish. A great cellar-worthy Champagne. Majestic!