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Krug Vintage Champagne 1996

98 points | Wine Spectator 2012

“This harmonious Champagne offers luxurious texture and powerful, focused acidity, showing aromatic accents of spring blossom, crushed thyme and chai, with rich notes of lemon meringue, hazelnut, black currant and fresh porcini mushroom. The full package. Impressive.”

97 points | Wine Spectator 2015

“A powerhouse, with a dense and expressive core of toasted brioche, candied kumquat, espresso crème, crystallized honey and salted pistachio flavors. The fine, creamy mousse and well-meshed acidity lend a sense of finesse that cloaks the firm structure and exuberance of this impressive Champagne.”

98 points | Vinous

“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.”

Tasting Note

Deep light golden colour announcing the unique contrast between freshness and maturity.

On the nose, expressive aromas of bread, hazelnut, dried fruit, caramelised orange peel, then cocoa as it warms up, and finally pepper and gingerbread.

On the palate, flavours of crystallised citrus fruits, caramelised orange peel, dried fruits, pepper and gingerbread, with a soft, creamy texture.

£3,300.00£3,987.61

Krug Vintage Champagne 1996

At the House of Krug, each Krug Vintage celebrates the distinct character of a specific year. A Krug Vintage blends the most expressive wines from a single year. It undergoes over ten years of aging in the cellars. Each Krug Vintage is unique, representing the “Music of the year,” captured by Krug.

1996 was a remarkable year in Champagne, often hailed as one of the best vintages of the century. It is frequently compared to the legendary 1928.

Even Paul Krug II, known for his objective views, remarked that Krug 1996 might be “the next 1928.”

Krug 1996 also marks the last Vintage created by three generations of the Krug family: Paul II, Henri, and Olivier.

The Season

1996 was a year when nature collaborated with Krug’s craftsmanship, enhancing the intense contrasts of this vintage. The year experienced extreme temperature variations. A rainy winter brought massive frosts in February, followed by a dry spring. Summer alternated between scorching heat and heavy rain. As harvest approached, warm days and cold nights created perfect conditions for grapes. The year 1996 became significant in Champagne history.

The Blend

Krug Vintage Champagne 1996 represents the fresh expression of an exceptional year. This vintage features high levels of freshness, balance, and potential. Its final blend consists of 48% Pinot Noir, 31% Chardonnay, and 21% Meunier.

Typically, a Krug Vintage leaves the cellars after ten years. However, the House keeps a limited number of bottles for later presentation. These bottles are known as Back Vintages.

The aromatic and expressive profile of Krug 1996 Back Vintage develops after 20 years in the cellars, gaining balance and finesse.

Food Pairing

Krug 1996 pairs beautifully with mascarpone recipes such as fusilli in white sauce or potato gratin. Salmon tart with zucchini, as well as goat cheese or vegetable tiramisu, sea scallops or shrimps with rich basil and mustard sauce will also accentuate the flavours and aromas of this Champagne.

Desserts such as an orange tiramisu or pecan pie with a white or rosemary cream topping can further enhance the experience. 

For more information on Krug click here or visit their website here.

Vintage

1996

Varietals

Pinot Noir 48%, Chardonnay 31% and Pinot Meunier 21%

Country

France

Region

Champagne

Alcohol by Volume

12%

Cellaring Potential

30 + years

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