1996 Krug Vintage
Buying options
Tasting notes
At 30 years old, the 1996 Vintage is developing an iridescent straw hue, though not particularly deep. The nose is engaging with walnut, warm bread and light smoky scents of moderate intensity. The palate has the presence one expects from a mature Krug, a very subtle background oxidative element mingling with orange bitters and a little oiliness towards the finish. It does beg the question: where will this go from here? As such, I would not hesitate to open bottles in the near future, but there’s no rush.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Very fresh nose and a bone-dry finish. More obvious fruit and more acidity than the 1990 Krug served alongside. Admirably long but still developing.
Sadly, the 1996 Vintage is a bad bottle, and I choose not to serve it.
Sadly, the same can’t be said for the 1996 Krug, which is a bit more forward and oxidative than it usually is.
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.