The name Krug is so enchanted and evocative, it is no wonder there is global excitement and anticipation on hearing of each new release. ‘Luminous freshness’ is the name given by the House of Krug to the beautiful 2004 Vintage.
Throughout its history Krug has honed an obsessive approach to detail in order to produce wines that are singularly greater than the sum of their already abundant parts. Each vintage is a uniquely compelling creation. Olivier Krug told us at the unveiling and tasting of this magical vintage, ‘2004 is composed of a selection of the year’s most characterful wines’.
2004 was a generous, highly expressive year following the challenging extremes and limited yields of 2003. Nature gave a breadth of choice in 2004. However it is a vintage where Chardonnay dominated Pinot Noir. The blend itself, 39% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir and 24% Meunier, has benefited from at least 13 years gentle ageing in the Krug cellars.
Drawing a correlation to the 1998 Vintage (95 points, Antonio Galloni) Olivier discussed the blend: ‘The Meuniers had citrus notes, a vivacity and tension. The Chardonnays were shining and the Pinot Noir gave backbone. Combining generosity and precision, elegance and character’.
The 2004 completes a trilogy of consecutive high quality vintages from Krug, 2002, 2003 and 2004; three years with three very different stories. The only other trilogy of consecutive years made in the history of the House came with the 1988, 1989, and 1990 vintages.
The 2004 is certainly a champagne that should be in your cellar. It is drinking now, but despite its highly expressive beauty and elegance, Olivier believes it will continue its path for the next 30 years. You can also follow your individual bottle’s story with the Krug ID, the six digit code on the back label.
Take this opportunity to add this gorgeous vintage to your cellar, and most importantly toast yourself with a glass of it as soon as you can.
*Landing March 2018. Offered subject to availability. Stocks are extremely limited.*
Krug Vintage 2004
£1,050.00 per 6 IB (subject to availability, extremely limited)
An extremely fine delicate mousse. Fresh and mineral driven, with oyster shells, white flowers, and a touch of honey and brioche on the nose. Evocative and aromatic, it draws you in with its fresh summer notes; close your eyes and you could be on the Tuscan coast with hints of floral citrus oils, sea salt and ocean breeze suspended in the summer air. With a few swirls it opens, you can taste the higher percentage of chardonnay; citrus notes, orange peel, piquant grapefruit, honeyed brioche toast and creamy crème brûlée coat your palate. It has a gorgeous and generous depth of fruit concentration and flavour, showing room for growth in maturity. This is very sophisticated and extremely elegant. Very fresh and very lifted, with ocean minerals and bright acidity giving intense freshness and mouth-watering length. This 2004 vintage created by Krug is drinking beautifully now, but will become more beguiling with age. 39% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir and 24% Meunier. Disgorged in 2014. Drink: 2017 – 2030+. Goedhuis & Co