It's hard to imagine how a wine of this power can sustain perfect balance. What is now a more nonchalant intensity in the aroma was, in fact, too much to handle when we tasted this last year, as if the wine had no time for mere humans with their limited sense receptors. If you stop to taste ripe pear, ginger spice, apple blossom and butterscotch the wine leaves you lost in random flavor descriptors as it soars off into a vinous glow that lasts for minutes. This may well be the greatest vintage wine of Henri Krug's career (unless it is challenged by the 2002). It is impossible to predict how long this wine will thrive in bottle, though considering the current fine condition of the 1959 Krug, the first 50 years are a given.

A powerful majestic Champagne. Deep and compelling with aromas of whole-grain toast coconut and dried citrus that draw you in. Lean and racy on the palate with a creaminess that's yet to be integrated. A classic '96 with ripe exotic aromas and a steely structure. Still a baby with the long resonant finish confirming its potential. Best from 2009 through 2040. 10000 cases made. -BS

The 1996 Krug Vintage remains one of the greatest Champagnes ever made. It is also far less expensive than either the Clos du Mesnil or Clos d’Ambonnay but equally as delicious. This bottle is stratospheric, with layers of explosive fruit that flow effortlessly to the multi-dimensional, captivating finish. It is another eternal Champagne from Krug. - AG

It has been a while since we met, but the Krug 1996 is unequivocally a brilliant slice of champagne – the nose cut from some slab of limestone that must of plummeted into the Champagne countryside from outer space. The palate is rapier like acidity, life-affirming mineralite and a focus and freshness that is nothing less than thrilling. Krug is one of life’s great pleasures and this is one of their finest vintages.

This is a handsome yellow-gold colour with hints of bronze. Still fresh and vigorous yet with a ripe acidity. Wow, this is something else in the mouth! There is a lot going on - firm and tight one moment, then a panoply of sensuous flavours. Williams pears and glace à l'orange evolve into lemon and prunes. A splendid finale of great length and vigour demonstrates that this '96 still has years of life ahead of it. Read more at http://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/champagne/krug-brut-vintage-champagne-france-7083#8cBiKb3LWedpYVgx.99

Tasting slightly advanced for its age, honey, brioche, nuts, orange peel and ripe, yellow citrus notes pop with no effort. Silky, lush, sweet and fresh, it's easy to drink today. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=1996&wine=Krug%20Champagne%20Vintage%20Brut

Although the aromas are toasty, the flavors are still so fresh, rich, complex. This is a wonderful expression of taut minerality, pure citrus zest and then a wood-toast character that gives the wine both richness and sophistication. Given the fresh, intense fruit, this will certainly age for many years. — Roger Voss