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Richard Kihl

Krug Grande Cuvée 166 Edition: "complete and purer...than the Krugs of old"

The latest release from one of Champagne's greatest houses

 

Krug launched their 166ème Grande Cuvée this summer and having sold out of our initial allocation instantly, we have now managed to secure extra stock.  With Christmas around the corner, it's not too early to lay-in a case, as a centre-piece for a Christmas feast or to give as gifts.

In recent years Krug have begun to number their Grande Cuvée releases, to reflect the infuence of the different base vintages around which the blend is 'composed'.  The numbering reflects the number of Grande Cuvée releases since Krug was established in 1843.

If, like us, you remember the famously-shy Henri Krug talking of Grande Cuvée as a multi-vintage, this new approach may take some getting used to (read more here).

The complexity of the champagne blending process happens out of site of the consumer.  The challenge of blending over 120 wines (138 in the case of the 166ème) to achieve consistency year in, year out, is enormous.   

Recent releases have been based on the 2007, '08, '09 and now the (superb) 2010 vintage - all with differing characters.  Numbering the releases is a sign of a very significant shift in winemaking philosophy at Krug: to blend each new release to best show off the nature of its base vintage. 

The results have been pretty much instant, with each new release receiving far higher critics' ratings than the Grande Cuvées of the preceding decade. 

If you would like a case of this remarkable Champagne please do let us know as soon as possible. Stocks offered subject to remaining unsold.

NV Krug Grande Cuvée '166 Edition'

100% grand cru vineyards. 45% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay, 16% Pinot Meunier. Base vintage 2010 and 42% reserve wine. Seven years' ageing on lees. Disgorged winter 2017. Dosage 6 g/l.

"Tasted blind. Lemon yellow. Putty note. Deep straw. Rather yeasty nose with quite a bit of age in evidence. A little loosely textured with a very savoury note. Finishes very dry. Tense." 17.5 points" Jancis Robinson

"The 166th manifestation of Monsieur Krug’s inspiration has as its youngest year 2010 - a season described by Eric Lebel as ‘tumultuous’ - its fruits wonderfully complemented by 42% reserve wine going back to 1998. The final blend has only 16% Pinot Meunier, and unsurprisingly the 45% Pinot Noir is starting to assert itself with notes of nectarine and redcurrant garlanded by soft spices and honey, while Chardonnay’s citric grip remains discrete in the background. Despite its relative youth in terms of the Krug canon, this is already exceptionally complete and purer, maybe, than the Krugs of old. There's no compromise in terms of power and intellectual intrigue. 94 points" Decanter Magazine, October 2018

"Complexity from the very outset with praline, honey, grilled-hazelnut and nougat aromas leading to a fresh background of peaches, lemons and grapefruit. Chardonnay leads on the nose for now. The palate has finesse, fleshy appeal and terrific focus. Long, powerful and seamless. A strong edition of Grande Cuvée. Drink or hold. 94 points" jamessuckling.com

£640 per six bottles in bond (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

 

Minimum order:  one case of 6 bottles 
Payment:  on receipt of invoice.
Shipment: immediately available.
Delivery: delivery, duty & VAT charged at prevailing rates at time of clearance from bond.

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Do you have wine to sell?

Many of the wines listed are bought from private individuals. If you would like a quotation for your wines please contact Antony Irvine. We can offer cash or broking terms.