2011 Krug Vintage Brut, Champagne, France

Winemaker Notes
At Krug, every vintage is crafted to celebrate the distinctive character of a particular year. The 2011 Brut is so opulent yet crisp, the House's Tasting Committee nicknamed this Champagne "Spirited Roundness."

A nose of white fruits give way to tangy star fruit and citrus followed by nuances of licorice and basil leaf. In an interplay of delightful contrast, this Champagne opens with enveloping roundness of pastry and stewed fruit. These give way to a hint of smokiness and herbs on the palate. As if by surprise, the chiselled finish lingers with salivating notes sea salt and grapefruit zest.

This Vintage will pair deliciously with spicy dishes, grilled meats such as Greek brochettes, shellfish with character, and mouth-watering desserts.

Blend: 46% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, 17% Pinot Meunier

Press
Rated 98 Points James Suckling
It shows reserved character but with a lot of energy and tension. Concentrated citrus fruit, candied lemons and mandarin peel with hints of savory herbs and spices. Notes of brioche and caraway seeds. Full-bodied, complex and nervy on the palate. It has fine, silky bubbles yet it’s structured and firm with a lot of power. It builds up on the finish with freshness and vibrancy.

Rated 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.