1998 krug, clos d'ambonnay
Why We're Buying
Krug Clos d'Ambonnay is a vintage blanc de noirs that compliments the estate's Krug Grande Cuvée. The legendary Champagne house only releases its pinot noir-dominant sparkling wine during single years, cultivating all the grapes from a 0.68-hectare plot. The wine ages for 12 years before its release, with bottles retailing around $3,000.
Critics Scores
Vinous
The 1998 Brut Clos d'Ambonnay appears to have arrived at an early plateau of maturity. Hints of white truffle, orange peel, licorice, honey and roasted almonds are woven together in a super-appealing mélange of aromas, flavors and textures.
Wine Spectator
Exotic on the nose, with woodsy spice and bergamot notes, this luxurious Champagne is driven by vivid, crystalline acidity. A streak of salinity underscores the flavors of black currant pâte de fruit, whole-grain toast, clover honey and chopped almond. Drink now through 2034.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1998 Clos d’Ambonnay displays a very biscuity nose with an undercurrent of butterscotch, nuts, warm apples, strawberry preserves and cinnamon stick plus a whiff of Japanese pickled plums (umeboshi). Concentrated and rich in the mouth, the palate offers layers of red fruit and yeasty flavors with refreshing acid and a long earthy finish.