2000 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

*Collectibles* Silky and fine like featherweight cashmere, this vibrant blanc de blancs is nonetheless laden with ample, expressive flavors. Rich hints of XO cognac and coffee liqueur underscore bergamot and glazed apricot fruit, while smoky minerality, spun honey, grilled nut and exotic spices impart further complexity and linger on the lasting finish. Disgorged spring 2012. Drink now through 2030.

Stephen Tanzer

Vibrant yellow-gold. Smoke- and mineral-accented pear and Meyer lemon on the deeply scented nose, with notes of ginger, vanilla bean and white flowers adding complexity and lift. Sappy, deeply pitched orchard and pit fruit flavors are braced by juicy acidity, picking up sweet butter and anise nuances with air. Chewy and mineral-driven, with superb clarity and slow-building spiciness. An exotic touch of iodine emerges on the finish, which shows outstanding focus and toasty persistence. The combination of power and energy here is really impressive.

Vinous

Just beginning to show the early signs of evolution in its color and flavors, the 2000 Clos du Mesnil is in an in between spot where it is ideally cellared for at least another few years, after which it is likely to remain at a plateau of maturity for many, many years. Smoke, crushed rocks, dried pears, spices and chamomile all add nuance as the wine gradually opens up in the glass.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Krug’s 2000 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil represents the most recent incarnation of a nowadays insanely expensive bottling from a 4.5-acre enclave that they have made legendary with dedicated bottlings beginning with 1979, and which – unlike this house’s 'regular' Vintage Brut – is 'declared' nearly every year. A striking aromatic evocation of sea breeze, with oyster and mussel shells corresponds with surprising closeness to the initial aromatic impression made by Krug’s 'regular' 2000 vintage bottling. But here, gingerbread and candied lemon rind, vanilla and heliotrope emerge from behind the maritime veil, anticipating the ripeness accompanied by transparency to mineral nuances that is revealed on an infectiously juicy and texturally ultra-refined palate. The interaction of maritime mineral, lemony citric, floral and spice elements carries with subtlety and impressive persistence. This is frankly a bit youthfully austere, and I imagine that it will take another year or two for it to begin to tip its full hand; but there is little doubt that nature dealt it a lucky set of cards. It should merit following for at least 12-15 years. (DS)