January 18, 2024
Release Article: Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition
Krug Champagne, renowned for its dedication to excellence and luxury, proudly presents the Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition. This exceptional Champagne embodies the house's meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to producing the finest blends. Each Krug Grande Cuvée Edition is unique, showcasing a complex and harmonious blend of numerous wines from multiple vintages.
The release of the Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition is a momentous occasion for Champagne enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its vibrant acidity, refined structure, and exceptional freshness make it a standout addition to the Krug portfolio. With high praise from top wine critics like Wine Advocate, James Suckling, Decanter, and Vinous, this edition is sure to be highly sought after.
Whether you're a long-time admirer of Krug or new to the world of luxury Champagne, the Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition offers a unique and unparalleled experience that embodies the essence of the Krug style. Don't miss the opportunity to add this exceptional Champagne to your collection.
The Blend and Tasting Notes
The Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition is based on the 2012 vintage and features a blend of 198 wines from 11 different vintages, with the oldest dating back to 1996. This complex blend results in a Champagne that is vibrant, energetic, and refined, offering a unique expression of the Krug style.
The 168th Edition is characterized by its vibrant and energetic profile. On the nose, it reveals aromas of citrus, white flowers, and a touch of almond. The palate follows with a crisp and refreshing profile, featuring notes of ripe pear, apricot, and a subtle minerality, leading to a long, elegant finish. This Champagne is celebrated for its precise balance and lively character, making it a standout in the Krug portfolio.
Critical Acclaim
The Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition has received high praise from some of the most respected wine critics in the industry.
Wine Advocate awarded this edition an impressive 97 points, with Antonio Galloni describing it as "a triumph of blending that showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of the Krug house."
James Suckling also lauded the 168th Edition, awarding it 97 points. He praised its exceptional freshness and complexity, noting that it "offers a remarkable expression of the Krug style, with a beautiful balance of acidity and fruit, culminating in a long, elegant finish."
Decanter magazine was equally impressed, giving it a score of 96 points. The review highlighted the Champagne's vibrant acidity and refined structure, calling it "an outstanding blend that embodies the essence of Krug."
Vinous also praised the 168th Edition, with a score of 96 points. The review noted the Champagne's precise balance and lively character, emphasizing its finesse and elegance.
The Craftsmanship of Krug
Creating the Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition involves a meticulous blending process that highlights the house's dedication to excellence. The process begins with the selection of base wines from the 2012 vintage, which are then blended with reserve wines from various older vintages. This approach ensures that each Grande Cuvée edition is unique and consistently high in quality.
After blending, the Champagne undergoes an extended period of ageing on the lees, typically for around seven years. This prolonged ageing process allows the wine to develop its signature richness and complexity, resulting in a Champagne that is greater than the sum of its parts.