Last night a small group of us did a side-by-side of the 2008 Krug and Krug GC 164eme – a comparison that is always fun and informative.
For years, the 164 – which has been superb since day 1 – was far ahead of the 08, which for years was tight and acidic, lacking the breadth one expects from Krug. But I’ve found the 08 much improved in recent times, and last night most people preferred the 08. The 164 was wide open with great breadth of flavor – an excellent GC. But the 08 was a half click more intense with really excellent precision and class. The 08 is still young and structured but I’m a believer and I think in another 5-10 years it’s going to be very special indeed. It’s already delicious.
We also drank a smashingly good bottle of 1964 Dom Perignon. I’ve only ever had a couple bottles of 50±year Champagne, and this did not disappoint. It was holding on to just a bit of fizz, but the flavor profile was plenty energetic, with subtle fruits, nice acidity, and a sweet coffee profile. Deep, complex, and unique.
Another highlight was a mag of '11 Chave Hermitage, which (like so many other '11 N Rhones) is in a really nice spot. A bottle of '17 Mugneret-Gibourg Chaignots was fruity and open for business – almost gulpable.
Great notes and an awesome dinner, Ryan. Thanks for bringing these. As great at the 164 was, the 08 just had an extra gear of intensity and depth. It’s going to be a legend. I was pleasantly surprised by how open it was. And the '64 DP was just another animal. Really wonderful.
My other favorite whites of the night were '10 LdH Tondonia Blanco and the '18 Fevre Bougros. On the red side, '11 Chave was spectacular but surprisingly fruit driven to me. Loved the '85 Ducru Beaucaillou and '94 Silverado Cab. The '09 Pavie wasn’t bad either and I thought it was holding up surprisingly well.
This was such a treat! Fun night. It really was something to see how open the Krug 08 was. Normally I’d trend toward the MV, and 164 is just so killer. But the 08 was shining last night. It’s so packed full … hard to think of a more concentrated Champagne that I’ve ever had.
64 Dom was ridiculous. It had a shockingly robust body and the coffee-toffee notes to it were compelling. Great wine for sure.
Some really strong lines up and down the lineup, but kicking off with Champagnes like that? Ridiculous. And the Ployez-Jacquemart Granite was super, super cool. Drank beautifully.
