Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 1996

Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 1996

The House of Krug’s unique craftsmanship has revealed a rare Champagne from a remarkable terroir, the Clos d’Ambonnay. This tiny walled plot of 0.68 hectares is located in the heart of Ambonnay, one of the most distinguished villages for Pinot Noir in Champagne and the main source of grapes for the House since its very earliest years. 

Loyal to the House’s individual parcel approach to Champagne making, the Krug brothers sought to reveal the ultimate and purest expression of the terroir of Ambonnay and endeavoured to find the right planted plot in the area. Their quest lasted for seven years until, in 1991, they discovered Clos d’Ambonnay, a walled plot situated on the edge of the village, on the south-eastern slope of the Montagne de Reims. This precious parcel of just 0.68 hectares (one-third the size of Clos du Mesnil) has been surrounded by protective walls since 1766. 

To this plot, Krug applied its exacting attention to detail, pruned it and worked the vineyard to achieve its fullest expression. The family acquired the Clos d’Ambonnay in 1994. The House created the first Krug Clos d’Ambonnay in 1995 and revealed it in 2007. 

Medium straw in colour, the nose is profoundly scented of apple tart, lightly toasted hazelnuts, orange blossom, brioche, and granola with subtle nuances of crushed stones, musk and honeycomb. The palate is incredibly concentrated, crisp and taut with great richness matched by very fine bubbles and a very long, steely finish. There's definitely a lot more to come from this wine but it's looking very fine now. 98+ Points - Lisa Perotti-Brown MW, RobertParker.com, 2011