I don’t post many TNs because frankly I’m not good at them. But I wanted to share some thoughts on a Krug Rosé vertical enjoyed recently with smoked and fried fish from Calumet Fisheries. It was fascinating to see the dramatic differences in the assemblage with each release. And to taste them.
Krug Rosé pre ID, pre-édition, label with vines/florettes/whatever
Because of the label, I think this bottle was released between 2004 and 2011, which I’m guessing means its base vintage probably was somewhere between 1995 and 2002? I purchased this bottle from Thatcher, and so, who knows how many hands it passed through before mine. It was fine but definitely past peak.
Krug Rosé, ID 113004 (magnum)
A blend of 23 wines from five different years, the youngest of which is from 2004, while the oldest dates back to 1998. It was completed with 13% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year from a special plot in Aÿ. The final composition is 43% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir, and 30% Meunier. (This and all subsequent descriptions via Krug ID.) Originally sold by Rare Wine Company, I picked up this mag through an Acker auction. (Boo, hiss, yes I know, I’m sorry. 
) It, too, was fully mature, surprisingly so given the format but perhaps attributable to less than perfect handling, storage.
Krug Rosé, ID313042
A blend of 37 wines from five different years, the youngest of which is from 2006, while the oldest dates back to 2000. It was completed with 10% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year from one special plot in Aÿ. The final composition is 59% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 8% Meunier. From here on out, I purchased all of these bottles on release. Rich, concentrated, red fruits, and a long, satisfying finish. Definitely not young but still feels like it has some legs.
Krug Rosé 21éme, ID316033
A blend of 57 wines, the youngest of which dates back to 2008 and the oldest to 2000. It was completed with 10% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir red wine from the House’s plot in Aÿ. The final composition is 51% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay and 8% Meunier. Sharp, energetic, bright red berry fruit, still tasting quite fresh and young. This was WOTD for many of us.
Krug Rosé 22éme, ID416041
A blend of 22 wines from five different years, the youngest of which is from 2010, while the oldest dates back to 2005. It was completed with 9% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir from the House’s plot in Mareuil sur Aÿ. The final composition is 56% Pinot Noir, 28% Meunier and 16% Chardonnay. Rich, tart cherries and strawberries, with just a hint of reductiveness.
Krug Rosé 23éme, ID217014
A blend of 60 wines from ten different years, the youngest of which is from 2011, while the oldest dates back to 2000. It was completed with 13% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year from a special plot in Aÿ. The final composition is 45% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir, and 26% Meunier. A bit less sharp, acidic but still energetic and delicious. This had hints of citrus and white fruits to go along with the red berry fruits. Another standout bottle, which is interesting because it was so Chardonnay heavy as compared to most of the others.
Krug Rosé 24éme, ID218025
A blend of 22 wines from seven different years, the youngest of which is from 2012, while the oldest dates back to 2006. It was completed with 11% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year from a special plot in Aÿ. The final composition is 40% Pinot Noir, 32% Meunier, and 28% Chardonnay. Very mineral and rich, with strong red fruit flavors. A tick behind the 22éme and 23éme perhaps.
Krug Rosé 25éme, ID419036
A blend of 28 wines from five different years, the youngest of which is from 2013, while the oldest dates back to 2008. It was completed with 11% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year from La Côte Valnon, a special plot in Aÿ. The final composition is 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 25% Meunier. Notable acidity here, and also instense and structured. This one feels like it could go longer than the others?
Krug Rosé 26éme, ID12017
A blend of 28 wines from seven different years, the youngest of which is from 2014, while the oldest dates back to 2005. It was completed with 11% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year blended from plots in Mareuil sur Aÿ and Taissy. Its final composition is 44% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 26% Meunier. Less acidity than 25éme and others, definitely more of a fruity character. Along with red berries, some red apple here. A very solid bottle.
Krug Rosé 27éme, ID122001
A blend of 38 wines from nine different years, the youngest of which is from 2015, while the oldest dates back to 2005. It was completed with 10% traditionally macerated Pinot Noir of the year blended from plots in Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Its final composition is 57% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier. Intense, vinous, excellent length, and a tremendous finish. Less berry than other éditions.
Here were my overall takeaways: First, Krug really plays with the assemblage, the variation is much more extreme than I’d have guessed. Second, absolutely, you can taste those differences side by side, even if my shitty notes don’t do a good job of conveying this. Third, Krug uses a different still wine to make the Rosé from year to year? At least, that’s what Krug’s notes suggest. Fourth, Krug doesn’t do an édition every year?! They skipped 2009 apparently, which I guess makes sense since there seems to be less 165éme than other Grande Cuvées, but still, I was surprised to learn this. Fifth, generally speaking, Krug Rosé drinks better relatively young compared to Grande Cuvée? Say within ten years of release? Lastly, Krug Rosé really shines with food — Krug Rosé + boating to Calumet Fisheries + smoked and fried fish makes for a great day.
