Krug : Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition

A vivid Champagne, with a chiseled frame of acidity and a chalky underpinning cloaked in a fine mousse that caresses the palate with its gossamer-like texture. Lovely aromas of coffee liqueur, anise and verbena accent the layered flavors of tangerine, macadamia nut, brioche and ripe plum, a profile that expands on the long, mouthwatering finish. There's power and expressive character to this, with a delicacy to its fine integration and length. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged winter 2019 to 2020. Drink now through 2030.

Krug’s NV Grande Cuvée 169ème Édition is brisk and finely cut, with terrific energy driving the citrus, floral and light tropical notes. Even with all of its energy, the 169 balances the vibrancy of the late-ripening 2013 vintage it is built on with the depth that the reserve wines added to the blend. The 169 drinks well now but clearly has the potential to age. The 169 is a blend of 146 separate wines going back to 2000. Krug ID: 120003. (Originally published in May 2021)

A beautifully defined wine that reveals itself in a very refined style, with notes of dried fruits, bread crumb and cereals. The composed nose delivers lovely freshness. The power is well controlled, with a fine tension. Very sleek and linear. Pleasantly tactile, with a lovely finesse to the bubbles.

Light golden yellow, silver shimmers, fine, well-integrated mousse. Subtle scents of yellow tropical fruit, nuances of mango and yellow plums, a hint of white flowers, a touch of biscuit, candied lime zest and a dash of almonds. Substance, nuances of marzipan, ripe yellow apple, a hint of quince, elegant acidity, salty minerality with a citric hint on the finish and fine blossom honey reverberations. ID 120001 Tasted by Peter Moser on 21.4.2021

Pinot richness dominates this Champagne. It gives the dense texture as well as the ripe white fruits that show signs of toastiness as they mature. This full-bodied Champagne is ready to drink.