Explore the world of Krug Editions with our comprehensive guide. Discover the unique characteristics, history, and expert reviews of each Krug Grande Cuvée Edition.

Krug Champagne is synonymous with luxury, complexity, and excellence. Each edition of Krug Grande Cuvée is a unique masterpiece, reflecting the house's meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to producing the finest Champagne. This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of Krug Editions, exploring their unique characteristics, the history behind them, and the critical acclaim they have received.

The Philosophy Behind Krug Editions

Krug's philosophy is to create Champagne that transcends the limitations of a single vintage. Each Krug Grande Cuvée Edition is a blend of numerous wines from multiple vintages, resulting in a Champagne that embodies the full expression of the Krug style. This approach ensures that every edition is a complete and harmonious composition, offering depth, complexity, and a consistent signature.

Krug Grande Cuvée Editions

Krug Grande Cuvée Editions are numbered sequentially, with each edition representing a unique blend crafted from a specific base year and numerous reserve wines. Here, we explore each edition from the 171st onwards and what makes them special.

 

The Craftsmanship of Krug Editions

Creating each Krug Grande Cuvée Edition involves a meticulous blending process that showcases the house's dedication to excellence. The process begins with the selection of base wines from a specific vintage year, which are then blended with reserve wines from various older vintages. This blending creates a Champagne that is greater than the sum of its parts, offering unparalleled complexity and depth.

The blending process starts with a careful selection of the year's best wines, which are then complemented by a vast library of reserve wines. This meticulous process 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

 

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Krug Grande Cuvée 171st Edition

Base Year: 2015
Blend: Comprising 131 wines from 12 different vintages, with the oldest from 2000 and the youngest from 2015.
Characteristics: The 171st Edition is characterised by its rich and layered profile, with notes of fresh citrus, dried fruit, and marzipan. The palate reveals ripe apple, peach, honey, and a vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, nuanced finish.
Critical Acclaim: Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate awarded this edition 97 points, describing it as "a triumph of blending."

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition

Base Year: 2014
Blend: Featuring 195 wines from 12 different vintages, the oldest dating back to 1998 and the youngest from 2014.
Characteristics: This edition is marked by its vibrant acidity and refined structure. Aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, and toasted almonds lead to a palate of ripe pear, apricot, and subtle spice.
Critical Acclaim: James Suckling rated it 97 points, noting its exceptional freshness and complexity.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Edition

Base Year: 2013
Blend: Composed of 146 wines from 11 different vintages, the oldest being from 2000 and the youngest from 2013.
Characteristics: The 169th Edition offers a complex bouquet of citrus, hazelnut, and almond, with hints of brioche and honey. On the palate, it is rich and creamy, with layers of fruit, spice, and a long, elegant finish.
Critical Acclaim: Wine Advocate awarded this edition 96 points, praising its balance and depth.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 168th Edition

Base Year: 2012
Blend: Crafted from 198 wines spanning 11 different vintages, from 1996 to 2012.
Characteristics: Known for its vibrant and energetic profile, with notes of citrus, white flowers, and a touch of almond. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with a long, mineral finish.
Critical Acclaim: Esteemed for its precise balance and lively character, praised by many for its finesse and elegance.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 167th Edition

Base Year: 2011
Blend: Composed of 191 wines from 13 different vintages, the oldest being from 1995 and the youngest from 2011.
Characteristics: This edition offers a rich and layered profile with aromas of ripe fruit, marzipan, and toasted nuts, followed by a palate of citrus, apple, and a hint of honey.
Critical Acclaim: Lauded for its complexity and depth, with high scores highlighting its harmonious blend and long finish.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 166th Edition

Base Year: 2010
Blend: Includes 140 wines from 13 different vintages, the oldest dating back to 1990 and the youngest from 2010.
Characteristics: Known for its fresh and lively character, with notes of citrus, orchard fruits, and a touch of brioche. The palate is well-rounded with a vibrant acidity and a long, elegant finish.
Critical Acclaim: Praised for its balance and freshness, receiving accolades for its intricate blend and refined profile.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 165th Edition

Base Year: 2009
Blend: Comprises 127 wines from 12 different vintages, ranging from 1990 to 2009.
Characteristics: Noted for its rich and generous profile, this edition features flavours of ripe apple, citrus zest, and honey, balanced by a refined acidity and persistent mousse.
Critical Acclaim: Acclaimed for its complexity and harmonious blend, with high scores from renowned critics.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 164th Edition

Base Year: 2008
Blend: Features 127 wines from 11 different vintages, with the oldest from 1990 and the youngest from 2008.
Characteristics: Displays a vibrant and energetic profile with notes of fresh citrus, white flowers, and a hint of almond. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with a long, mineral finish.
Critical Acclaim: Esteemed for its precise balance and lively character, praised by many for its finesse and elegance.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 163rd Edition

Base Year: 2007
Blend: Crafted from 183 wines spanning 12 different vintages, from 1990 to 2007.
Characteristics: This edition is known for its floral and citrusy nose, with hints of marzipan and honey. The palate is well-rounded with flavours of ripe fruits, brioche, and a touch of spice.
Critical Acclaim: Highly regarded for its freshness and depth, receiving strong endorsements from wine critics.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 162nd Edition

Base Year: 2006
Blend: Contains 146 wines from 11 different vintages, the oldest being from 1990 and the youngest from 2006.
Characteristics: The edition offers a nose of toasted nuts, dried fruits, and citrus, leading to a palate rich with layers of lemon zest, apples, and a subtle minerality.
Critical Acclaim: Celebrated for its vibrant acidity and layered complexity, earning it a place among the top-rated editions.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 161st Edition

Base Year: 2005
Blend: Comprises 134 wines from 12 different vintages, with the oldest from 1990 and the youngest from 2005.
Characteristics: The wine shows a rich and complex nose with layers of citrus fruits, gingerbread, and almonds, followed by a palate that reveals flavours of hazelnut, nougat, and marzipan.
Critical Acclaim: Received praise for its complexity and elegance, with high scores highlighting its harmonious blend.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 160th Edition

Base Year: 2004
Blend: Crafted from 121 wines from 12 different vintages, ranging from 1990 to 2004.
Characteristics: Displays a fresh and vibrant character with notes of citrus, honey, and a hint of almond, balanced by a persistent mousse and crisp acidity.
Critical Acclaim: Lauded for its freshness and intricate blend, earning accolades for its balance and depth.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 159th Edition

Base Year: 2003
Blend: Includes 120 wines from 10 different vintages, the oldest dating back to 1988 and the youngest from 2003.
Characteristics: Noted for its rich and mature flavour profile, it features dried and candied fruits, toasted brioche, hazelnuts, almonds, and a touch of honey.
Critical Acclaim: Esteemed for its rich texture and elegant finish, receiving high scores from critics.

 

Krug Grande Cuvée 158th Edition

Base Year: 2002
Blend: Composed of 76 wines from 10 different vintages, the oldest being from 1988 and the youngest from 2002.
Characteristics: This edition offers rich notes of hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar, and jellied fruits, followed by hints of apples, flowers in bloom, ripe and dried fruit, almonds, marzipan, gingerbread, and sweet spices.
Critical Acclaim: Praised for its complexity and harmonious balance, it remains a favourite among collectors.

 

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