1998 krug, clos du mesnil
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Why We're Buying
Few wines rival the investment-worthiness of Krug Clos du Mesnil. It's a pure expression of a single plot of chardonnay made only during the finest vintages. According to Wine-Searcher.com, the sparkling wine ranks as the third most expensive blanc de blanc in the world. The price tag eclipsed the four-digit barrier in 2017. The 2006 Krug Clos du Mesnil defies easy categorization. On the one hand, it’s supple and graceful with an ethereal weightlessness. On the other hand, it’s powerful and muscular with uncommon richness for the region. Cultivated from a single plot of chardonnay in the heart of Mesnil-sur-Oger, this iconic Champagne survived a challenging growing season in 2006. Fortunately, the extreme heat and rainfall let up at the right time, producing beautifully ripe chardonnay. According to cellar master Julie Cavil, “This Champagne is a combination of outstanding purity and freshness with tension, vivacity, and great balance.” Upon release, wine critics Yohan Castling and James gave the vintage 99-point ratings, with the former calling it “a work of art!” Investment opportunities are limited, though. Krug released fewer than 15,000 bottles of this already hard-to-get Champagne.
Critics Scores
Wine Spectator
An exercise in finesse, with beautiful harmony to the depth of flavor, rich texture and well-honed acidity. Offers lots of minerality, with subtle savory notes of fleur de sel and oyster shell accenting fresh quince, dried apricot, honey, candied ginger and cumin flavors. Lovely. Drink now through 2025.
Wine Enthusiast
A wine that has created its own universe. It has a unique, special softness that allies with the total purity that comes from a small, enclosed single vineyard. The fruit is almost irrelevent here, because it comes as part of a much deeper complexity. This is a great wne, at the summit of Champagne, a sublime unforgettable experience.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1998 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil has come together beautifully since I tasted it last year. This is a remarkably taut, focused bottle of the 1998 with great energy and minerality in its precise, crystalline fruit. I don't expect the 1998 to be one of the longest-lived Mesnils, but if this bottle is any indication, it should continue to drink well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.