Vintage champagne blind tasting challenge.
The overall champ as voted for by the group was the ‘02 Krug, which was drinking beautifully, one of the most perfectly balanced wines I’ve ever had. Rich and complex on the nose with baked apple, almonds, brioche, and a flinty smokiness. So full and rich on the palate, but still so refined. Just at the start of what promises to be a long drinking window.
My personal favourite was the ‘96 Krug, which was starting to show some real maturity. Crème caramel and toasted almonds, but underpinned by such electric acidity, it never felt too much.
The ‘95 Charlie H stole my heart, showing beautifully. It felt less mature that the ‘96 Krug, less full on, but just effortlessly classy. At 1/3 the price of the Krug, it’s a relative bargain for such a gorgeous wine.
Of the others, the ‘03 Krug was just a bundle of fun, lush and opulent, but lacking the elegance of the others. Both the Doms were astonishingly youthful and restrained, flinty and steely but with almost brooding power that feels like it will age forever in both wines. Felt almost a shame to drink them now, as there’s no chance of affording either again. 😂
Dining and Cooking