The 2011 Krug Brut Vintage is a Champagne blend from the renowned Krug house in France. This vintage presents a unique profile that reflects the challenging weather conditions of 2011, which included early flowering, cool and wet phases, intense heat, and heavy rainfall. Despite these difficulties, the wine has garnered impressive reviews, particularly for its balance and refinement.
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 94, describing it as "a floral expression, bright and fairly dainty." The review highlights its "taut and youthful" nature with a "rounded and lightly chewy texture," finishing "lean but still succulent and hyper fresh." This captures the wine's dynamic character and its ability to maintain freshness despite the varied growing conditions.
Jeb Dunnuck offered high praise with a score of 97, emphasizing the wine's exceptional quality given the challenging vintage. Dunnuck notes its "medium golden straw hue" and "creamy" aromas of "orange blossoms, custard, fresh pear, hazelnut, and delicate smoky incense." On the palate, it is described as "medium to full-bodied and refined," with a "rounded and pristine profile" and a "delicate hint of almond skin on the finish." This review suggests that the wine will be accessible sooner than other vintages and recommends a drinking window from 2028 to 2048.
Antonio Galloni of Vinous rated the wine 93, calling it "a very pretty wine in this highly challenging vintage." He noted flavors of "apricot, mint, dried herbs, and a kiss of French oak," and described the wine as "slender" with a "light-ish mid-palate and overall feel," yet impeccably balanced. Galloni expects this vintage to mature relatively early and advises against extended aging.
James Suckling gave the highest accolade with a score of 98, highlighting its "reserved character but with a lot of energy and tension." Suckling commends the "concentrated citrus fruit, candied lemons and mandarin peel," along with "notes of brioche and caraway seeds." The wine is described as "full-bodied, complex and nervy," with "fine, silky bubbles" and a structure that builds on the "finish with freshness and vibrancy."
Overall, the 2011 Krug Brut Vintage is a testament to Krug's expertise in producing high-quality Champagne even in less-than-ideal conditions. It offers a complex and balanced profile that promises to evolve gracefully over the years.