Personal advice
With an annual production of around 700,000 bottles, Krug is one of the smaller but most prestigious houses in Champagne. The foundation of its success is the Grande Cuvée—formerly known as the Private Cuvée—which aims to preserve a house style over the years through the artful composition of the cuvée from countless barrels from a variety of locations and vintages. It may be that the best barrels from a notable vintage are needed for the Grande Cuvée, even if these wines certainly have the potential for a vintage. Access to exceptionally high-quality grapes from old vines and prime vineyards is a crucial factor. Krug not only pays the highest prices in Champagne—it is considered an honor to be allowed to supply grapes to Krug.
Only when, after selecting the base wines for the Grande Cuvée, sufficient barrels remain that reflect the unique character of a vintage at the highest level does the house decide to produce a Vintage. The goal is not to reproduce a uniform drinking experience—as Dom Pérignon, for example, strives for—but rather to express the character of each year as purely and precisely as possible. In the structured 2008 vintage, Krug produces a particularly acidic, solid 2008, and in the charming 2004 vintage, an elegant, seductive Vintage.
Krug was traditionally a champagne that was very firm and low-yielding when young. With the sale to the Moet Hennessy Group, a lot has changed. Even younger Krug champagnes have fruit. The production is still traditional, with no malolactic fermentation, which explains the very racy acidity and pure aromas. However, the aging process is less oxidative, and the yeasts used ensure that attractive aromas develop even during the lees aging process.
The 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006 are all delightful now. 2008 is much too young. The 1996 develops wonderful aromas with exposure, but the acidity on the second half of the palate is still too dominant. The 1988, 1982, and 1979 are in fantastic form. With so many older vintages, we've been losing track of them lately. The Grande Cuvée has many great editions. 168, based on the 2012 vintage, is currently our favorite.
Which vintages do we recommend? 2005 already offers wonderfully nutty aromas. 2006 has more apple flavors (tart) than lemon and plenty of power. 2006 is also in great shape. 2004 is more precise, elegant, and subtle. 2000 and 2002 are both in great shape.
Among the younger vintages, 2013 and 2012 are certainly enjoyable, although it's worth waiting for. With 2008, you'll need patience.
Among the rosés, the 2012, 2009, 2007, 2006, and 2005 are good to drink. The 2008 should be kept