TN: Krug 1996

David_Strange · January 30, 2011, 3:16pm

Afternoon all,

Last night I was fortunate enough to try Krug 1996. It was not a small-scale fizz but a weighty powerhouse of totally captivating stylishness - I unconditionally loved it. Here is the note:

Krug 1996
The scale and complexity of this nose is astonishing. It has a definite Pinot derived cold cocoa character but the fresh redcurrant fruit that explodes from it is very intense and charged with life. There is definite density here with layer upon layer of powerful but intricately detailed aromas that leave me feeling quite intoxicated. I want to get down to drinking this. Bloody hell, the epic acidity level here slashes through the palate with the unabashed enthusiasm, and as far as my sensitive stomach goes a lot more pain, than a particularly acned teenager getting to work squeezing a fresh and frightfully livid crop of pimples. But that is just fine with me, it is remarkably balanced and provides definite energy to the impressively muscle-bound set of flavours that are potent with dimension. It tastes of so much and the flavours go on and on. It might not be a light, refreshing example of fizz but the sophisticated authority with which this delivers feisty vibrancy has me utterly persuaded of its brilliance. This is the stuff.

Cheers,
David.

Victor_Hong · January 30, 2011, 3:22pm

David Strange:

Afternoon all,

Last night I was fortunate enough to try Krug 1996. It was not a small-scale fizz but a weighty powerhouse of totally captivating stylishness - I unconditionally loved it. Here is the note:

Krug 1996
The scale and complexity of this nose is astonishing. It has a definite Pinot derived cold cocoa character but the fresh redcurrant fruit that explodes from it is very intense and charged with life. There is definite density here with layer upon layer of powerful but intricately detailed aromas that leave me feeling quite intoxicated. I want to get down to drinking this. Bloody hell, the epic acidity level here slashes through the palate with the unabashed enthusiasm, and as far as my sensitive stomach goes a lot more pain, than a particularly acned teenager getting to work squeezing a fresh and frightfully livid crop of pimples. But that is just fine with me, it is remarkably balanced and provides definite energy to the impressively muscle-bound set of flavours that are potent with dimension. It tastes of so much and the flavours go on and on. It might not be a light, refreshing example of fizz but the sophisticated authority with which this delivers feisty vibrancy has me utterly persuaded of its brilliance. This is the stuff.

Cheers,
David.

Still morning here, but we are happy to see the TN. Hope you are fine. Thanks.

Michael_Bowden · January 30, 2011, 3:31pm

This is one darn good wine…hopefully many (more) bottles in my future.

Scott_Ho11owe11 · January 30, 2011, 3:34pm

I was lucky enough to get to drink the '96 Krug and the '96 Salon side by side last Sept. Both wines were out of this world good, but I set the Krug as my favorite of the two.

dcornutt · January 30, 2011, 4:16pm

I agree with you totally David.
This is such a fine Champagne even at this tender age.

Loren_Sonkin · January 30, 2011, 4:19pm

Great note. This is so good as tight as it is now. I can’t imagine how good it will be when it fully opens up. Thanks for the note.

R_del_Rosario · January 30, 2011, 4:30pm

David - wonderfully written note. Thank you!

Chris_Blum · January 30, 2011, 4:38pm

Thank you for the notes, David. I bought a 6-pack upon release and haven’t popped any of them yet. I’ve seen some diverging opinions on this wine, but chalked it up to youth (the wine, not the tasters).

Good to have a little validation from a respected palate.

Berry_Crawford · January 30, 2011, 4:41pm

Nice note!

alan_weinberg · January 30, 2011, 4:59pm

there are prettier metaphors than acne that could be used for this outstanding wine. Now try Salon 96!
alan

Loren_Sonkin · January 30, 2011, 5:03pm

I think i prefer the Salon, but I think it comes down to which house you like better. Both are outstanding and some of the best wines either has ever produced.

David_Strange · January 30, 2011, 5:05pm

Hello again,

Thanks for the feedback, I greatly appreciate the compliments.

I tried Salon 96 back in February 2009, here is the note:

BLANC DES BLANCS LE MESNIL 1996, SALON
A lovely nose of buttered bread and creamy minerality. This is fresh and lively, but the aromas to seem the merest hint on the oxidative side (is that ‘brown’ verses ‘grey’ aromas?). I cannot deny it is really complex, vinous and very compelling. The palate is very vinous too, like a Grand Cru Chablis of quite mind-buggering brilliance that has the most refined of mousses. It is totally pleasing Champagne, with surprising density and thrilling complexity for a Blanc des Blancs. Why risk ageing it? This is currently delivering extraordinary pleasure. I’ll open mine soon.

I did open mine soon after and it was corked. Bums.

Cheers,
David.

Michael_Bowden · January 30, 2011, 8:05pm

Never had them side by side…but I was able to have both within the last month…for me - Krug = Now, Salon = Future.

Jerry_Hey · January 30, 2011, 8:14pm

Unless the Krug unwinds quite a bit, I’m not a fan. However the 96 Salon is an amazing wine now and I’m sure for a while.

Jeremy_Holmes · January 30, 2011, 9:18pm

Thanks for the note on a wonderful Champagne David. I really like your tasting notes, kind of like English Gentleman meets D.B.C Pierre.
Best Regards
Jeremy

John_Liotta · January 30, 2011, 9:20pm

Wednesday?

Enzo_Ruffalo · January 30, 2011, 10:03pm

Ray.Tuppa_sch · January 30, 2011, 10:21pm

If you have any Krug Rose it is not vintage

paul_hanna · January 30, 2011, 11:04pm

Had them side by side at least 4 or 5 times, since release and recently, and different company and situations…

The Salon has always come out on top, both for me and the group I’ve been drinking with, although the first time it I had them it was closer, but it does seem now that the Salon is pulling away…

Michael_Bowden · January 31, 2011, 4:40am

Yes please.