Krug Champagne Grande Cuvee Brut 162eme Edition NV 750ml

This displays enthralling aromatics that are infused with mineral notes and the refreshing, tangy fragrance of a sea breeze, as well as an underlying chalky sensation. Yellow fruit and spices join in the aromatic chorus. There is an intriguing interplay between the character of an aged Champagne on the nose and youthful, upright vigour and energy on the palate. The finish has remarkable delicacy and purity, as well the lingering echo of its subtle salty tang. This is a Champagne already at its apogee, but one that retains real potential for ageing. A blend of 163 wines from 11 vintages – the oldest being 1990 and the youngest, also the base wine, from 2006. 40% reserve wines. Dosage: 6g/l. Drinking Window: 2020 - 2035

Once again, I revisited Krug's NV Grande Cuvée 162ème Édition in the company of the 2006 Brut—supplemented this year by the 2006 Clos du Mesnil. Based on the 2006 vintage, complemented by some 40% reserve wines dating back to 1990, the Krug tasting committee sought out racier, fresher reserve wines as a counterpoint to the gourmand, generous character of the base year, and that has worked very well. Mingling aromas of dried fruits, pear and toasted brioche with nuances of iodine, candied peel and smoke, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and lively, with fine depth at the core and beautiful balance, marrying beautifully vibrant fruit with the complex patina that is the house's signature.

A rich and dense wine with lots of dried fruits and a slight waxiness. It's full and layered with beeswax and lemon blossom with some lemon curd. Hints of honey, especially on the finish. Rich and flavorful. Drink now.

The NV Grande Cuvée 162ème Édition, built around the 2006 vintage, is fabulous. All of the natural radiance and intensity of the year comes through in the wine's ample, resonant personality. Apricot, peach, mint, chamomile, baked apple and lightly honeyed notes all build in racy, sumptuous Grand Cuvée that delivers the goods big time. Readers will find a gorgeous, open-knit Champagne loaded with class and personality. The 162 is still a baby, in fact it hasn't aged much at all since Ilast tasted it in 2014, although this is a recent disgorgement. This is the first release that transitioned to the Édition labeling, which was used for some of the later batches, with the 163 being the first wine released as an Édition from the very beginning. Readers will find a small amount of the 162 on the market, most of it reserved for three-packs with the Vintage and Clos du Mesnil, and yes, you guessed it, mixed six packs in wood cases spanning two series; the Editions 161 through 166 and Editions 162 through 167. It is an absolutely gorgeous wine. The 162 is based on 2006 and includes wines from 11 vintages going back to 1990. This is Krug ID: 416037.