Jamessuckling.com | JS 96
Published: Jul 10, 2015

A very chalky, citrusy and lemon-scented nose here with lemon meringue and fine minerally aromas too. The darker, more savory and nutty aromas are pushed to the background. Hints of pepper too; this is less evolved. The palate has a creamy, supple and fleshy core of stone fruit flavors, yellow peaches and white nectarines. The nose has swirling spice notes, while the acidity is long, very even and very precise. The sherbet-like texture arrives through the finish. Density with lightness, this is quite an art. Drink now or hold for 10 or more years. This is based on 2003, which shows the philosophy of making the best wine every year as Grande Cuvée. Krug ID 313048

The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: Oct 24, 2024
Drink: 2024-2034

The new Krug release, the NV Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition, based on the 2016 vintage and comprising 11 vintages in total (the oldest is 1998), is outstanding. It reveals a complex, slightly spicy bouquet of white fruits, beeswax, marzipan, hazelnuts, dried herbs, ripe orchard fruits and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has a subtly spicy entry, an enrobing and layered texture and a fleshy core of fruit framed around a perfectly balanced, fresh and mineral finish. Crafted primarily from Pinot Noir (44%) and complemented with 30% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Meunier, it was disgorged in the first quarter of 2023 with a dosage of 4.5 grams per liter. Keep it for 5-10 years.

When I met Julie Cavil, Krug’s Chef de Caves, in July, the extensive construction at Joseph—the name the house has given to the new winery in the heart of Ambonnay—was nearing completion. During the visit, I had the opportunity to taste the latest rendition of the cuvée, the 172ème Edition, based on the 2016 vintage, alongside some of the oldest cuvées and the newly released Clos d’Ambonnay from the 2008 vintage. 

Decanter | D 95
Published: Nov 22, 2018
Drink: 2019-2028

A distinctive nose with honey, toast and cashew leads to a palate that's just as powerful and pronounced, with an exotic, dry, umami richness comprising dried crystalline fruits, peach, biscuit and cream, and a touch of well-executed oak. Good acidity and terrific length.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 12.00%
Body: Full
Grapes: Chardonnay Pinot Meunier Pinot Noir / Pinot Nero