I have a celebratory dinner this evening and am getting a bottle of champagne to match the occasion. I think I've narrowed it down to Krug Grand Cuvee 172nd Edition and Bollinger La Grande Annee 2015. I'm looking for something that's spent time aging on the lees to highlight the toasty/ brioche notes in champagne. However, I've reached an impasse and could use some help finalizing my decision. That said, feel free to add in any other ideas I might not have thought of!
by natedogg312
18 Comments
If you can afford it, Krug. That Bolly is lovely but not the same level as Krug IMO
Might not be all that helpful as I’ve never had Krug but I LOVE the Bollinger GA for a full, rich, toasty champagne. That’s the style I prefer and that Bollinger is one of my favorites.
Krug is a very special Champagne. It’ll surely be more expensive, but if you’ve narrowed it down to these, then I assume you can afford it, so just buy it.
Can’t go wrong with either but i personally would go with the NV Krug. I like some age on my vintage champs.
If you go with the ‘15 bollinger, I’d let it breathe for an hour or so before serving.
My other suggestion would be the Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill. My absolute favorite.
Honestly none of these if you’re looking for a rich, autolysis-driven champagne. Not anymore at least – both houses have a new style, with emphasis instead on freshness and citrus elements…
If you can find Rare It is exactly what you are looking for. Toasty and rich, poised between youth and development.
Krug is richer, less automatic, impacted by a strong barrel presence.
Grande Année is fantastically drinkable but really emphasizes freshness.
From Bollinger RD would be what you are after.
Anything else labelled Late Disgorge or any variation of that.
2015 Bollinger RD. I had the Grand Annee earlier this year, and it was great, but didn’t have the notes you’re looking for. Krug is tough act to follow though.
I am a Krug lover. But you can’t go wrong!
Similarity is the amount of liquid inside
172 is shutdown right now. You should get something like 164
This isn’t a question: the answer is always Krug.
Krug is fab but anything after 169 has not (IMHO) hit the mark
Krug, every single time.
Krug wins out, but for that money you can get some great grower wines.
I think I’d go with Bollinger myself, though I’d look for 2014 or 2012 instead.
I prefer Krug.
If it was 2012, I’d say Bollinger LGA over an NV Krug. With these exact options, I’d go Krug.
Btw I sorta disagree with anyone saying the current release Krug will be tight or closed… it WILL get better in a few years but my experience has been that Krug is always pretty generous on release.
Krug