Krug Vintage Brut, Champagne, France 2011

The Pinot Noir wines of 2011 exhibited magnificent balance and beautiful structure, while the Meuniers retained wonderful freshness and elegant bitters, and the Chardonnays – most affected by the heat spikes – were juicier and riper than other years, with exemplary roundness and generosity rather than their usual tension. In the tasting room, it was clear the climate had a striking impact on the wines, affecting the fruit as if to ‘cook’ it with the heat, while the sugar content remained moderate. Surprisingly, the most distinctive performers were plots one would not expect. - JULIE CAVIL, KRUG CELLAR MASTER

Capturing the delightful contrast of a paradoxical climate, Krug 2011 is the expression of an unpredictable year split in two, with seasons reversed. A surprising Krug story allying finesse and power, it was nicknamed “Spirited Roundness” by the Tasting Committee.

Krug 2011 is a captivating and wonderfully fresh blend of Pinot Noir (46%), Chardonnay (37%) and Meunier (17%).

" Because 2011 was a challenging vintage for Champagne, it would be very easy to over-generalize, as many readers may have had less than ideal experiences elsewhere. But Krug’s 2011 Champagne Millesime Brut is not your average Champagne. With a rounded nose, it pours a medium golden straw hue and is creamy with aromas of orange blossoms, custard, fresh pear, hazelnut, and delicate smoky incense. Medium to full-bodied and refined on the palate, it has a rounded and pristine profile, with ripe, balanced fruit floating through the palate, a pinpoint mousse, and a delicate hint of almond skin on the finish that I would expect to become more pronounced with age. Following the more tension-driven vintage of 2008, which was characterized by a more high-toned and lemon-tinged profile, this wine will be accessible sooner (probably also the case for the future release of 2012) and will undoubtedly provide an open window for drinking over the coming 15 to 20 years." Jeb Dunnuck 97