1996 Krug Brut Vintage

Champagne Blend - 750ML
$695.00
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REVIEWS

W&S 100 WS 99 WA 98 NM 97 DC 96 JL 96 WE 96
W&S 100

Wine & Spirits, December 2008

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...
WS 99

Wine Spectator, July 2007

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...
WA 98

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, July 2011

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...
NM 97

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, May 2013

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...
DC 96

Decanter,

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...
JL 96

TheWineCellarInsider.com, November 2015

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...
WE 96

Wine Enthusiast, December 2010

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...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Sparkling
Varietal Champagne Blend
Country France
Region Champagne
Vintage 1996
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 12%
Closure Cork

The 1996 Krug Brut Vintage, a renowned Champagne blend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Champagnes ever produced. This vintage from Krug, a prestigious Champagne producer in France, is celebrated for its complexity, depth, and aging potential.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awards this Champagne a score of 98, describing it as "one of the greatest Champagnes ever made," praising its "layers of explosive fruit" and "multi-dimensional, captivating finish" (AG). Wine Spectator rates it even higher at 99, calling it a "powerful majestic Champagne" with a "classic '96" steely structure and long resonant finish. Reviewer BS notes its potential, suggesting it's best enjoyed between 2009 and 2040.

Neal Martin’s Wine Journal gives this vintage a score of 97, highlighting its "rapier-like acidity" and "life-affirming mineralite," describing it as "one of life's great pleasures." Wine & Spirits, however, offers a perfect score of 100, marveling at its "perfect balance" and complexity, suggesting it may be "the greatest vintage wine of Henri Krug's career."

Decanter and several other reviewers, including Jeff Leve and Wine Enthusiast, all score the 1996 Krug between 96 and 97, emphasizing its fresh, vigorous nature and rich, complex flavors. Decanter describes it as "handsome yellow-gold" with a "splendid finale of great length and vigour." Meanwhile, Jeff Leve notes its "silky, lush" texture and easy drinkability.

Overall, the 1996 Krug Brut Vintage is characterized by its powerful structure, vibrant acidity, and a blend of rich flavors like ripe pear, citrus, and toasty notes. Its strong aging potential ensures that it will remain a cherished bottle for years to come.