Checking my notes, the oldest Krug I recall opening was, coincidentally, a year ago yesterday, the day I retired. The white or light yellow label.
I’ve also opened several older half and full bottles of red and gold label Grande Cuvée disgorged between 1995 and 2004. All but one half bottle have been vibrant and stunning.
NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée - France, Champagne (6/29/2025)
My only bottle of the old white (or light yellow) label Krug Grande Cuvée, disgorged sometime between 1982 and 1995. This was an old auction purchase, and the gamble paid off in spades. When I removed the cage and grabbed the cork, it was sticky, and I assumed the leaker would be spoiled. My hopes sank further when the cork broke as I twisted. Fortunately, the Durand extracted the remaining piece cleanly, and I started with a cautious small pour.
My expectations began to lift. While it showed clear signs of maturity, the wine was far from spoiled. I knew right away that this first bottle would be one of the wines of the night. The nose was fully developed, with prominent toffee, gingerbread, and a delicate note reminiscent of a quality fino. Faint effervescence remained.
The palate was stunning, drinking more like an old grand cru white Burgundy with the natural oxidation of time. Rich, layered, and endlessly complex, with a finish that went on and on.
There was no legible writing left on the stained cork to confirm the disgorgement date, but based on how the wine showed, my feeling is that this was one of the older disgorgements, likely based on vintages from the 1970s or early 1980s.
Delicate and subtle. Very gentle mousse. Crisp, with very light key lime pie and green apple. Pronounced and flattering biscuity edge. Good acidity. Overall the taste is complex but quiet. Could well put on more weight in time, but I have no experience with this champagne.
I had it for the first time last year. I was on vacation and I just grabbed a bottle to go with some lobster rolls and it was great. I bought some back at home thinking I wouldn’t like it as much and I did. It’s pretty juicy and isn’t an acid bomb Very easy to drink (for me)
The side-by-side of Lassaigne’s 2012 Soprano and Tenor (same wine with extensive disgorgement difference) was a lot of fun - both showed a lot of complex secondary character but the Tenor with more lees contact just felt more complete. These were the warmup though, and I fear we couldn’t give them the attention they deserved.
I thought the 2017 Collin Enfers 60mo had WOTN potential, it started off with so much chalky, concentrated purity and depth. At the end it may have shut down a bit though, tasting more of root beer and other earthier notes. Still, 17 has been my fave Collin vintage across the lineup.
2017 Presle was the most subtle wine in this mix, but the quality of fruit was outrageous. Effortless and young, it’s the wine from this lineup I’d want a bottle of to myself even though it got ‘Pepsi-challenged’ tonight.
2019dg Ambonnay from Selosse was the WOTN, just completely over the top in terms of intensity, breadth and texture. In this format, it’s just screaming at the top of its lungs while everything else is trying to talk, and it’s definitely getting noticed. Glorious as usual, frustratingly so.
The Jura lineup might make it to the Natural Wine thread.
Magnum of egly-ouriet premices last night was superb. Shared by 5 of us over dinner. From first to last pour, just lovely balance and eminently drinkable.
Yes I was going to say, find me a better $60 bottle of Champagne, but it’s Sunday, and I don’t want to fight today
I’m glad some people know what’s up.
I’ve heard the 26 might be different, but historically, I’ve found these are better about 5 years after release, and much better after ten. I’ve had several various versions blended from three vintages in the 70’s and 80’s and disgorged in the 90’s that were still incredibly fresh, more so than any other champagne I’ve encountered of their age.
I’m giving my 26’s, 25’s, 24’s and even 23’s more time. I opened a 23 that I thought still had years to reach its peak. I believe the 750’s of that iteration were released in 2017, so by my rule, I can visit it again next year.
NV Marie Demets Champagne Brut Cuvée 19ème.
My first experience with Marie Demets. This is an older bottle with the Renoir label, not the XIX. Lot #, S14-27; I’m not seeing a disgorgement date or any info specific to this lot.
Slightly oxidative, full-bodied, off-dry, ripe, with notes of poached red apples, limestone, brioche, powdered sugar, and a bit of turmeric. Very nice.
