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krug, vintage brut 1988
WINE SPECTATOR
98
DECANTER
98

1988 krug, vintage brut

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Why We're Buying

Krug Vintage Brut represents the expression of the year, according to Krug. It features different wines from a single year, blended and aged for at least a decade before release. The wine, which debuted in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, earned Grand Gold from Mundus Vini in 2000 and 2001. “Classic Beauty.” That is the nickname bestowed on 2008 Krug Vintage Brut by the Champagne house’s tasting committee. The cuvée of pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay has a chiseled frame and ultra-expressive nose that makes it an instant classic. The 2008 vintage benefited from immaculate weather. The mild conditions produced perfectly fresh fruit with outstanding heterogeneity between the vineyards of Aÿ, Bouzy and Ambonnay. With the touch of cellar master Julie Cavil, the fruit reaches a harmonious balance while preserving the complete spectrum of flavors and aromas. Critics have lobbed praise at 2008 Krug from all angles. James Suckling awarded it a 100-point rating, calling it “a perfect 2008.” Others have called it “a supernova of sensation” and “(with) perfect balance.” At Vinovest, we call it a must-have.

Critics Scores

WINE SPECTATOR
98

Wine Spectator

A superb Champagne and still youthful. Honey, ginger, lemon confit, coffee and mineral aromas and flavors come to mind, all kept focused by a firm, tightly wound structure. The finish is where its pedigree shines through, lingering like warm gingerbread and coffee. Drink now through 2015. 5,000 cases made.

DECANTER
98

Decanter

When Krug 1988 was first released, a few bottles remained stored in the Krug cellars to see how they aged. The result today is a bouquet of incredible complexity, a veritable spice box full of seductive scents including sandalwood, mocha, and leather as well as a waxy note. The palate is perfectly balanced with both ample flesh and breathtaking freshness, and a wide-ranging flavour and textural profile having elements of quince, candied fruit, and spices. A floral freshness takes the upper hand on the long finish of this supremely subtle and light-footed Champagne. Such a beguiling mix of youthful energy with eminent ageworthiness. Readers who can find the 1988 should not hesitate, as it is stellar. Drinking Window 2020 - 2030

BURGHOUND.COM
93

Burghound.com

I have always very much admired the '88 vintage in Champagne because it produced wines that tended toward austerity when they were young and they have aged exceptionally well. The nose here is consistent with this because even though it is fully mature and highly complex, there is a certain calm restraint that accompanies the attractively fresh citrus, cooked apple and toasted bread elements. There is equally good punch and freshness to the powerful and concentrated flavors that possess impressive mid-palate density before concluding in a mouth coating and strikingly long finish. The '88 should continue to hold for years to come.

ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE
96

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Tasted at a hotel in Zurich, this remains a stunning Krug. Deep and lucid in colour, it retains that show-stopping, honeyed bouquet with breathtaking definition, offering hints of cut lime, cooking apple, cold granite, citrus lemon and a hint of walnut. The palate is taut, driven by vibrant acidity, hints of passion fruit and white peach, but at its heart is that sense of precision and poise. The finish has a beguiling candied quality that flirts daringly and beckons another sip. Heavenly and perhaps starting to drink at its peak.

BURGHOUND
93

Burghound

I have always very much admired the '88 vintage in Champagne because it produced wines that tended toward austerity when they were young and they have aged exceptionally well. The nose here is consistent with this because even though it is fully mature and highly complex, there is a certain calm restraint that accompanies the attractively fresh citrus, cooked apple and toasted bread elements. There is equally good punch and freshness to the powerful and concentrated flavors that possess impressive mid-palate density before concluding in a mouth coating and strikingly long finish. The '88 should continue to hold for years to come.