Just a taste preference. I prefer more youthful and vibrant Champagne over mature tasting Champagne.
VM
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I have had the 2004 Fleur de Passion, the last time in 2024. It was glorious (the word I used at the time in my note) - richer and creamier than I normally associate with FdP. No oxidation at all. I have 5 more and should check on it again soon. I believe Brad Baker has also said good things about it.
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2004 was much stronger in the Côte des Blancs than in Champagne overall. I hope you get a chance to try the 2004 Ployez-Jacquemart Liesse d’Harbonville. Every bottle I’ve had has been outstanding: balanced, fresh, and still vibrant, likely helped by the 70% Chardonnay and nearly 20 years on the lees. I’m overdue posting my TN on a recent bottle.
My one experience with Cristal 2004 was that it was to acidic and shrill. It lacked depth and balance.
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For those of you who disliked ‘04 Cristal because it was too acidic, you might want to check in on it now as it is developing lovely autolytic richness.
I didn’t really get that when we had it this January. It was certainly better than in 2019. My notes were fairly positive but I don’t think it’s as good as the best 04s or as good as 02/09 Cristal.
2004 Cristal Brut
A nice bottle @Dinesh_Goyal brought, this was great. The last time I had the 2004 Cristal, it was BTG in Chicago in 2019, and at the time it was searingly acidic without much fruit. Today, it had a more rounded mouthfeel, with some Meyer lemon on the nose, and the acidity was much tamer. This didn’t feel as linear or laser focused than a lot of 04s and I liked it. I’ve been generally dismissive of non BdB 04s because of the lack of fruit and shrill acidity, maybe they’re coming around?
How was it?
Krug 173 to celebrate the birth of our first child. The 173 is very open right now and was an absolute pleasure to drink. Layers of complexity and enjoyable texture.
I gave the little guy a whiff… gotta train the nose early🙃
I saw some CT notes questioning the age-ability of the 173 —I’m not experienced enough in aging Champagne so wondering if anyone here has some input. Would love to pick up a couple bottles to drink with him down the road.
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Krug grand cuvee will age for decades.
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Congrats!!!
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No input on the Krug but if you take care of the other thing, it can last close to a century.
Congrats!!
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Get the 173 in mags. Will easily age well enough in that format. Krug mv mags are the best deal in champagne imho.
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Thanks! I think storage and maintenance is going to be a bit more expensive
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NV L. Aubry Fils Champagne Premier Cru Brut Rosé - France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru (5/29/2026)
Light and airy Nose. Good acidity on the palate, with light red berries. Leans austere and light. Quite pleasant and easy to drink.
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Are Krug 173 mags out yet? I think the current Grande Cuvée mag release is 170.
Krug Grande Cuvée mags always lag the bottles. And the jeros lag even more – the current jero release is 163, I believe.
Given the staggered releases, I’ve always wondered if Krug plays around with what goes in the mag and the jero versus the bottle.
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Had the Palmer along w/ the Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration Nº26
I favored the Palmer bdb by a fair margin…I went out and nailed down 3 bottles. 
Not an exaggeration. For example, I had a 161 last year (from vintages 1990 to 2005) that was nowhere near decline.
Yeah I think @Warren_Taranow has opened some going back to the 80s and they’re still good.
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I still have some Grande Cuvee from the late 70’s and early 80’s that are very alive.
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