- 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.
