2004 Krug, Vintage Brut 6x750ml

Vinous 97+

Krug’s 2004 Vintage is absolutely mesmerizing. Layers of bright, chiseled fruit open up effortlessly as the wine fleshes out with time in the glass. Persistent and beautifully focused, with a translucent sense of energy, the 2004 captures all the best qualities of the year. Moreover, the 2004 is clearly superior to the consistently underwhelming 2002 and the best Krug Vintage since 1996. Readers who can find it should not hesitate, as it is a magical bottle. [Antonio Galloni, 01/12/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2044

Robert Parker 97

Combining subtleness with complexity, the coolish Krug 2004 Brut opens with a highly elegant, fascinatingly clear, bright and refreshing bouquet of ripe (apple) fruits. Dense and round, with a delicate mineral soul, the pure but perfectly balanced 2004 reveals great finesse and weightless elegance with a long and round finish. This is a gorgeous Krug vintage that is 14 years old but still on the rise. Tasted from ID 316034 in New York in November 2018. [Stephan Reinhardt, 11/10/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2050

JancisRobinson.com 18.5

Pinot Noir 37%, Chardonnay 39% and Pinot Meunier 24%. Predominately premier and grand cru vineyards, the Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Aÿ, Bouzy, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the Chardonnay from Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Trépail, Villers-Marmery and the Pinot Meunier from Coulommes-la-Montagne, Saint-Gemme, Villevenard. 13 years on lees, disgorged spring 2016, dosage 6 g/l. Launched in 2017 when Krug’s theme was the seaside. As Olivier Krug pointed out, vintage champagnes are ‘the story of the year. Not a better champagne.’ They make this wine after the Grande Cuvée. In 2012 no vintage was made as it was all saved for reserves. Vintage wines made when there is enough wine left. 2004 was a big and late harvest with beautiful weather in September. Very pale gold. Zesty citrus, bright. More autolytic character than on the 172nd Grande Cuvée but it is a gentle toastiness. 2003 was hot and early. 2004 was big and very late. In the mouth, extremely creamy citrus, pure, gentle, a hint of greengage and extreme freshness. Apparently, this has barely aged since its release. Very little bottle-aged character (typical of 2004, suggests Krug).There’s the saline briny freshness of the seaside. Rounded yet bright, too. ‘Luminous’ is a very good word chosen by Krug to refer to this. (JH) [07/08/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2032