2004 Krug
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Tasting notes
Pinot Noir 37%, Chardonnay 39% and Pinot Meunier 24%. Predominately premier and grand cru vineyards, the Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Aÿ, Bouzy, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the Chardonnay from Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Trépail, Villers-Marmery and the Pinot Meunier from Coulommes-la-Montagne, Saint-Gemme, Villevenard. 13 years on lees, disgorged spring 2016, dosage 6 g/l. Launched in 2017 when Krug's theme was the seaside. As Olivier Krug pointed out, vintage champagnes are 'the story of the year. Not a better champagne.' They make this wine after the Grande Cuvée. In 2012 no vintage was made as it was all saved for reserves. Vintage wines made when there is enough wine left. 2004 was a big and late harvest with beautiful weather in September. Very pale gold. Zesty citrus, bright. More autolytic character than on the 172nd Grande Cuvée but it is a gentle toastiness. 2003 was hot and early. 2004 was big and very late. In the mouth, extremely creamy citrus, pure, gentle, a hint of greengage and extreme freshness. Apparently, this has barely aged since its release. Very little bottle-aged character (typical of 2004, suggests Krug).There's the saline briny freshness of the seaside. Rounded yet bright, too. 'Luminous' is a very good word chosen by Krug to refer to this. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Disgorged in autumn 2017. Dosage 6 g/l. Tasted blind. Deep straw. Lots of energy here. This is obviously a very fine champagne. Tight bead and more youthful than the 2002 vintage. Slightly unevolved. Lots of energy. Some oak ageing? (JR)
Tasted blind. Greenish hint. Intellectual, intriguing nose that’s more evolved than its pair (the 2002). Really classy stuff on the nose. Hint of mushrooms. Great energy, lift and zest. Tight and fresh. A little richness. Very delicate mousse. Dry finish. Krug? (JR)
Combining subtleness with complexity, the coolish Krug 2004 Brut opens with a highly elegant, fascinatingly clear, bright and refreshing bouquet of ripe (apple) fruits. Dense and round, with a delicate mineral soul, the pure but perfectly balanced 2004 reveals great finesse and weightless elegance with a long and round finish. This is a gorgeous Krug vintage that is 14 years old but still on the rise. (SR)
About the producer
Krug is a remarkable Champagne House which only makes prestige cuvées. The wines – with their distinctive rich, complex, oxidative style – are some of the region’s best.