Krug - Champagner Clos du Mesnil, brut 2006

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is a fabulous edition of Clos du Mesnil. The pure chardonnay is magnificent with density and agility at the same time. Apple and mineral notes with cream and biscuit character. Citrus and hints of mirabelle. Chalky, yet stony at the same time. Layered, yet linear and really long. But remains subtle. The acidity is so precise and focuses the flavors and nature. Lasts for minutes. Even better than the 2004. Drink or hold."

DECANTER: "The first aromatic impression is surprisingly floral in the context of such a hot vintage, and then evolves to reveal elements of menthol, liquorice and yellow fruit. With aeration, the bouquet blossoms to reveal increasing complexity, including spicy notes. On the palate, this is a fleshy and densely textured Clos du Mesnil with a salty tang on the finish, one that stands out for its singularity, albeit in the context of a classic crystalline, tense purity. Bravo – a work of art! 100% Chardonnay, disgorged at the end of 2019. Dosage: 4g/l."

FALSTAFF: "Leuchtendes helles Goldgelb, silberfarbene Reflexe, sehr zartes, feinperliges Mousseux. Eröffnet mit rauchig-nussiger Würze, Anklänge von Orangen- und Bergamottzesten, unterlegt mit weißem Pfirsich, Apfel und Ananas, präzises, gut gereiftes Bukett, mit Luft etwas Walnuss und Mandeln. Straff, feine reife gelbe Fruchtnuancen, etwas gelbe Ringlotte, zarter Blütenhonig, integrierte Säurestruktur sorgt für Finesse, elegant, saftig, feine Fruchtsüße im Abgang, mineralisch, gut gereift, ein Hauch von Marillen, aber auch weiße Frucht im Rückgeschmack, hat eine erste Trinkreife erreicht, sicheres weiteres Potenzial."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Slated for release later this year, Krug's 2006 Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil unwinds in the glass with aromas of buttered citrus fruit, crisp green pear, warm pastry, freshly baked bread, apricot and licorice. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, the 2006's comparatively extroverted and gourmand bouquet is in contrast to its deep, chiseled and tightly wound palate, and it's here that the site really dominates the vintage signature. Long, sapid and penetrating, complemented by a pillowy pinpoint mousse, this is a brilliant Blanc de Blancs that has been well worth the wait. By the standards of young Clos du Mesnil, it's already quite approachable and can already be drunk with considerable satisfaction."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A stunner, displaying all the lithe grace of a ballet dancer that belies the underlying powerful musculature. Sleek acidity creates a mouthwatering impression throughout, seamlessly knit with the fine, creamy texture. Expressive lime blossom and spice aromatics are layered with fruit flavors of poached apricot, dried cherry and a touch of passion fruit coulis. Long and minerally on the racy finish, echoing rich, savory notes of grilled nut and espresso. Disgorged summer 2019. Drink now through 2036. 1,381 cases made."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Sleek, lively and lifted – even ethereal – on the nose with light notes of putty. Complex nose – quite mature – but still very tight on the palate. At Krug they see a minty note. Some definite chewiness. They are happy for the wine to be quite textured. It's definitely skinnier, crisper and overall rather less satisfying than the Krug vintage 2006. They serve this first of the three 'because it has the most precise expression'."