Krug Rose Edition 28

Offering aromas of peonies, orange peel, cinnamon, dried herbs, rose petals and ripe red berries, the NV Rosé 28ème Edition possesses a medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated palate with a vinous, creamy core of fruit framed by a vibrant, enrobing mid-palate that leads into a nicely phenolic, long, salty and mineral finish. This rendition—a blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 17% Pinot Meunier—is one of this house's most powerful and well-executed Champagne rosé ever produced. It comprises 32 wines from vintages spanning 2010 to 2016, with the latter as the base, and red wine sourced from Aÿ.

Pinot Noir 58%, Chardonnay 25% and Pinot Meunier 17%. Base vintage 2016. Reserve wines: 38%, dating back to 2010. Red wine 10%, from Aÿ and Mareuil sur Aÿ. 6 years on lees, disgorged winter 2023, dosage 6 g/l. Pale orange-pink. Intense aroma orangey red fruit. Excellent fruit depth with a backbone of freshness. A bold wine. Rounded yet with immense clarity, like looking through a glass to pure red fruits. There's a touch of spice from the oak. Like the 172nd Grande Cuvée this is also a touch floral, like an orange rose. Tastes drier than the 172nd. Olivier Krug suggests pairing it with lamb. Beautifully well knit. Clear, long.  Fresh and very youthful with not that much autolytic character. Less elegant than the Grande Cuvée but more texture and likely to be more versatile with food. (JH)

The NV Krug Rosé 28ème Édition is terrific. A rich, substantial Champagne, the Rosé possesses notable textural depth and substance. Hints of orange peel, cinnamon, dried rose petals and sweet red cherry fruit are all laced together in a creamy, beautifully resonant Champagne. Some previous editions have been more linear, but the 28ème feels richer, with a greater role given to the Pinot Noir, with important contributions from base wines from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Les Riceys. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous focus to pull it all together. Readers will find an extremely versatile Rosé that will provide immense pleasure, both on its own or at the dinner table. This release is based on 2016, with 38% reserve wines back to 2010, 58% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 17% Meunier. Disgorged: Winter 2022-2023. Krug ID: 123009.