Krug Grande Cuvee Edition 172

• A Grande Cuvee with substance and class, based on 2016
• Better than 171 and 173

Just the sight of it is a delight: Grande Cuvée sparkles in a bright gold, with fine bubbles running through the glass after the initial vigorous effervescence has settled. The bouquet is intense and utterly seductive: ripe lemon, candied orange, marzipan and gingerbread, white flowers, all accompanied by yeasty brioche nuances and almonds. On the palate, you're immediately drawn in by its captivating flavour profile: nougat, caramel, Provençal lavender honey and hazelnuts meet lemon zest, tarte au citron and brioche.

The occasion for this exceptional indulgence is a comparison with Edition 173, which is already waiting in the wings. 173 is delicate, charming, rounded and smooth. 172 has more substance and mineral structure, and will age better in the long term. It is more demanding now and evolves beautifully over hours. But in the short term, the fun factor is greater with 173 – unless you're someone who appreciates the structure and potential of 172.

Krug Grande Cuvée Edition 172 was composed from 146 wines spanning eleven years, from 2016 back to 1998. It is a blend of 44% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier. 58% comes from the base year 2016, with 42% reserve wines. 2016 is a harmonious vintage producing elegant Champagnes, though it often lacks depth and density. However, Krug’s access to grapes from very old vines completely transforms the impression: depth, substance, concentration – nothing is missing here. We prefer it to Edition 171, and consider it on par with 170. Among recent editions, only 168 stands slightly ahead of 172 in our view.

James Suckling 97 jamessuckling.com Beautiful notes of dried citrus fruit, lemon curd and dried apples with hints of spices, dried flowers and subtle brioche. I like the polished and caressing texture and steady, refreshing acidity. It’s fresh and even austere, with notes of ground spices. So vertical and firm. Structured and long. Drink or hold. 


Johan Castaing 95 robertparker.com ... It reveals a complex, slightly spicy bouquet of white fruits, beeswax, marzipan, hazelnuts, dried herbs, ripe orchard fruits and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has a subtly spicy entry, an enrobing and layered texture and a fleshy core of fruit framed around a perfectly balanced, fresh and mineral finish.


Antonio Galloni 95 vinous.com  The NV Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition is a gracious, sublime Champagne. Light citrus notes, white flowers, spice, marzipan and chamomile inflections all run through this delicate, nuanced Grande Cuvée. The 172eme is a Champagne of understatement and class that is very much a reflection of the base year..

750 mL

12.5

Champagne

Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier

Sulphites

• Zero Dosage

France

Krug 5, rue Coquebert, 51100 Reims, Reims