New Release: Krug 2011, "not your average Champagne" (JD)
We are delighted to present our allocation of the newly-released 2011 Krug Vintage. The product of a challenging year for Champagne’s winemakers, this shows plenty of the class and authority that are the hallmarks of Krug in an accessible, forward and early-drinking style.
Many houses chose not to release a 2011. Krug has bucked the trend and done so because of the excellent quality of its Pinot Noir. The Cellar Masters at Krug tasted Pinot of structure, balance and potential that would result in a unique expression of Krug. It may not be the powerhouse we might expect of Krug, but it is fascinating in its harmony, finesse and panache.
Jeb Dunnuck is a fan, praising the “rounded and pristine profile, with ripe, balanced fruit floating through the palate” and “pinpoint mousse”. For Antonio Galloni, it is “a very pretty wine” with a “light-ish mid-palate and overall feel”. Yet, crucially, “all the elements are impeccably balanced”.
If you’re a Krug collector, this would make a fascinating addition to your cellar. Details are below, do let us know if you would like any.
2011 Krug Vintage
20cs (6*75cl OC) @ £1,485 per case in bond
97 points Jeb Dunnuck
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. Drink 2028-2048. (2024)
www.jebdunnuck.com
93 points Antonio Galloni
The 2011 Vintage is a very pretty wine in this highly challenging vintage. Apricot, mint, dried herbs and a kiss of French oak open nicely in the glass. There is some of the savory character of 2011, but it is nicely woven into the wine’s fabric. To be sure, the 2011 is a slender vintage at Krug. That is especially evident in the wine’s light-ish mid-palate and overall feel, yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. I expect the 2011 to be a relatively early maturing Vintage and would not push my luck on aging. (2023)
www.vinous.com Drink 2024-2036
Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in the UK in June.
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