Founder Joseph Krug’s vision of a vintage-dated wine was “according to the circumstances.” Julie Cavil, Cellar Master, described 2011 as a year with reversed seasons with summer heat in spring and spring rains and cooler temperatures in summer. Flowering of the vines occurred three weeks later than usual. The first four weeks of harvest experienced summer heat then rain with a drop in temperature. Cavil must have had her hands full, but this bubbly made of 46% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay and 17% Pinot Meunier displayed the typical finesse and elegance that marks all Krug Champagnes. Tiny bubbles herald an explosion of brioche and spice, accompanied by round, warm flavors of toast and hazelnuts, with a lingering mouth-filling finish.
Krug, Champagne (France) 2011
By Rebecca Murphy