Krug, 2004 Vintage Brut

[Acquire]

Harvested in 2004, and only now at its best.

Reims, Champagne · 2004 vintage · More than twelve years in the cellar

Why it's here

Krug has made nothing but prestige Champagne since Joseph Krug founded the house in 1843, and it releases a vintage only when the year deserves one. The 2004 spent over a decade in the cellars before it was let go. A bottle with a date on it is also a way of marking time, and this is the one to open for anything that began in 2004.

The object

Every plot is fermented separately in small oak casks, which is rare in Champagne and gives Krug its depth. The blend is close to equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with Meunier for brightness. Expect candied citrus, ginger and quince, then brioche and honey as it opens.

At the table

Serve it cool in a white wine glass, which shows it better than a flute. It can carry a whole dinner, from oysters through to roast poultry, and it will keep for many more years if you can wait.

Origin: Reims, Champagne, France
Vintage: 2004
Blend: 39% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir, 24% Meunier
House founded: 1843

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