Krug : From Solist to Orchestra Case 2008

An exceptional gift set bringing together three great Champagne expressions by Krug

The estate

Founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug, a visionary driven by passion, the Krug Champagne House maintains a unique library in the world gathering more than 150 reserve wines, some of which exceed 15 years of age.

The vineyard

Drawing on more than 250 distinct parcels, including the iconic Clos du Mesnil and Clos d'Ambonnay, Krug House possesses an exceptional viticultural heritage in the heart of Champagne.

The gift set

La Caisse Du Soliste à l'Orchestre 2008 brings together three major cuvées from Krug Champagne House that reveal, like three movements of a single symphonic work, the multiple faces of a single year.

The soloist — Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 2008
From a single garden, Clos d'Ambonnay, shaped by a single grape variety — pinot noir — and a single year, it concentrates intensity in its finest expression. Its luminous golden robe announces a nose of toasted bread, caramel, cocoa and dark chocolate without sweetness. On the palate, the score unfolds with caramel apple, candied citrus fruits, a lemon with an almost tactile smoothness. The chiseled finish, with vibrant freshness, extends on a delicate bitterness that marks the greatness of the terroir.

The ensemble — Krug 2008
Here is the architecture of a year brought together in a single gesture, through a blend of 53% pinot noir, 22% chardonnay and 25% meunier, revealed by more than a decade of patience in the Krug cellars. The brilliant golden robe precedes a rich and ample nose, refined by time: honey, licorice, menthol, orange zest and grapefruit compose a deep bouquet. The palate, lively, intense and harmonious, unfolds great tension, luminous precision and airy length. An astonishing structure, both firm and fluid, that captures the verticality of 2008.

The orchestra — Krug Grande Cuvée 164th Edition
Each year, Krug reinterprets Joseph Krug's founding vision: to offer the best possible champagne, regardless of climate's whims. The 164th Edition is the most generous expression of this ideal, a grand orchestra where 127 wines from 11 years harmonize — from the oldest, 1990, to the youngest, 2008. Its pale gold robe, animated by fine and lively bubbles, opens on a nose of fruit salad in syrup, quince, meringue and a delicate patina. On the palate, richness becomes music: hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar, candied fruits and citrus, almonds, brioche and honey respond to each other in sovereign balance. The blend is masterful: 48% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay and 17% meunier.