Krug 2011

Krug 2011

The year 2011 for Krug was split in two, with reversed seasons and an abrupt switch upon flowering. Unbridled summer weather arrived in spring, spurring the vines to develop rapidly and flowering to occur mid-May, three weeks earlier than usual. Rainfall and cool weather ensued. The paradoxical climate reached peak unpredictability on the eve of harvest with four scorching days followed by intense rain and a sudden drop in temperature. Harvest took place from August 25 to September 3, 2011, with homogeneity in grape maturation and the Clos d’Ambonnay unexpectedly being harvested the day before the Clos du Mesnil.

The Pinot Noir wines of the year exhibited magnificent balance and beautiful structure, while the Meuniers retained wonderful freshness and elegant bitters. The Chardonnays – most affected by the heat spikes – were juicier and riper than other years, with exemplary roundness and generosity rather than their usual tension. For the House’s Tasting Committee, it was clear the climate had a striking impact on the wines, affecting the fruit as if to “cook” it with the heat, while the sugar content remained moderate. Surprisingly, the wines that stood out that year were plots one would not expect.

To tell the story of 2011, a selection of Pinot Noir plots’ wines constitutes almost half (46%) of the blend, imparting beautiful structure and magnificent balance, while Chardonnay plots’ wines (37%), most affected by the heat spikes, imbue ripe and juicy fruit aromas, and Meuniers (17%) add a wonderful freshness with elegant bitters. The striking profile of Krug 2011 comes after 13 years in the cellars, gaining in expression, harmony, and finesse.

"Because 2011 was a challenging vintage for Champagne, it would be very easy to over-generalize, as many readers may have had less than ideal experiences elsewhere. But Krug’s 2011 Champagne Millesime Brut is not your average Champagne. With a rounded nose, it pours a medium golden straw hue and is creamy with aromas of orange blossoms, custard, fresh pear, hazelnut, and delicate smoky incense. Medium to full-bodied and refined on the palate, it has a rounded and pristine profile, with ripe, balanced fruit floating through the palate, a pinpoint mousse, and a delicate hint of almond skin on the finish that I would expect to become more pronounced with age. Following the more tension-driven vintage of 2008, which was characterized by a more high-toned and lemon-tinged profile, this wine will be accessible sooner (probably also the case for the future release of 2012) and will undoubtedly provide an open window for drinking over the coming 15 to 20 years. Drink 2028-2048." 97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck