Krug Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil Vintage
Short History
Krug's Clos du Mesnil is one of the most prestigious and sought-after Champagnes in the world, and it stands as a testament to the House's uncompromising commitment to individuality and terroir. The story begins with a small, walled vineyard (or "clos") located in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the most renowned Grand Cru villages for Chardonnay in the Champagne region. This 1.84-hectare plot, protected by stone walls since 1698, is a unique microclimate that allows the Chardonnay grapes to express an unparalleled purity and elegance. First released with the 1979 vintage, Clos du Mesnil is produced only in years when the harvest reaches a level of exceptional harmony and character, allowing it to capture the unique expression of this single plot from a single year. Each bottle of Krug Clos du Mesnil tells a story of this exceptional place and a specific vintage, making it a true collector's item and a masterpiece of winemaking.
Key Features
-
Single-Vineyard, Single-Varietal, Single-Vintage: A rare expression of 100% Chardonnay from the 1.84-hectare walled vineyard of Clos du Mesnil in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
-
Aged for over 10 years: This Champagne undergoes an extensive maturation period in Krug's cellars, allowing for the development of its profound complexity and exceptional texture.
-
Terroir-driven Excellence: The unique microclimate of the Clos du Mesnil, protected by its surrounding walls, imparts a distinctive minerality and purity to the wine.
-
Handcrafted and Meticulous: Every step of its creation, from grape harvest to bottling, is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail, reflecting Krug's heritage of artisanal craftsmanship.
-
Limited Production: Produced only in exceptional years, each vintage is a limited release, ensuring its rarity and exclusivity.
Tasting Notes
The Krug Clos du Mesnil is a symphony of delicate yet intense flavors. On the nose, it offers a complex and evolving bouquet of citrus, toasted brioche, white flowers, and hints of gingerbread. As it opens up, aromas of Meyer lemon, fresh almonds, and a subtle chalky minerality emerge. On the palate, the wine is incredibly precise and powerful, yet beautifully graceful. It reveals layers of flavors, including crisp green apple, juicy pear, and a zesty lemon curd, balanced by a creamy, silky texture. The long, persistent finish is marked by a distinctive saline minerality and a touch of roasted nut, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and purity.
Awards and Accolades
While specific awards vary by vintage, Krug Clos du Mesnil consistently receives top ratings from the world's leading wine critics.
-
Vintage 2002: Scored 98 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and 98 points by Vinous.
-
Vintage 2000: Awarded 97 points by Wine Spectator.
-
Vintage 1998: Received 100 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
-
Vintage 1996: Celebrated with a perfect 100-point score from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker.
This consistent recognition from past releases underscores the unwavering quality and timeless appeal of Krug's Clos du Mesnil.
Overall Expression of the Product
Krug Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil is more than just a wine; it is a profound expression of a single place, a single grape, and a single year. It embodies the essence of pure, unadulterated Chardonnay, magnified by the exceptional terroir of the Clos du Mesnil. Its incredible concentration, combined with a striking elegance and a powerful, yet refined, structure, makes it a Champagne of unparalleled depth and longevity. This is a wine that speaks of history, place, and the art of time itself—a truly magnificent experience for the discerning connoisseur and collector.
