Krug 1996 Magnum

A rich, radiant gold, Krug 1996 already promises a masterful combination of maturity and acidity while its aromas tease the nose with the tartness of pear and candied lemon, the roundness of ripe fruit and nougatine.

Then, even as the taste buds are revelling in the smooth, mellow flavours of honey, gingerbread, and mocha, this extraordinary champagne unleashes its exuberant crescendo of freshness that is at once totally unexpected and utterly Krug.

Vintage 1996: 1996 is widely considered to have been one of the vintages of the century in Champagne. A highly changeable summer, alternating periods of intense heat with spells of heavy rain, was followed, as harvest approached, by dry, sunny days and unusually chilly nights, producing wines of contrast and character.

This was a year in which the elements conspired with Krug's unique craftsmanship - in particular the first fermentation in small oak casks - to elevate the intense contrasts that define the taste of Krug to unprecedented extremes.

Krug 1996 is exceptional - an eccentric champagne that first caresses the senses with its rich aromas, firm texture and full, ripe flavours, then dramatically explodes into jubilant freshness.

Background Information:

When Johann-Joseph Krug founded the Krug champagne house in 1843, his dream was to give his name to nothing less than an exceptional champagne- a champagne with a taste all its own. To achieve this, he set himself a few rules, among which, first and foremost: never compromise on quality.

Six generations later, he would approve of his descendents' consistent commitment to excellence. Krug is one of very few champagnes houses that produce only premium blends. This commitment to only the best quality and Krug's unique expertise in champagne-making explain its worldwide reputation.

The wines are made from carefully selected Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Krug is a guardian of Champagne tradition in still fermenting its wines in small oak barrels, which gives them an exceptional finesse.

Another signature of the Krug style, they are made to mature for at least 6 to 8 years, the reward of which is a distinctive complexity and the ability to age gracefully. Each year, the members of the Krug family blend the different wines that 6 or 8 years later will maintain the high quality and style of their predecessors. Truly exceptional years are consecrated vintage blends.

With methods that guarantee the production and blending of only exceptional champagne, its own 19-hectares vineyard, the quality of the 56 hectare vineyards the house buys its precious grapes from and its stock worth 7 years of production, no wonder Krug is the reference for premium champagnes.

Krug is an encounter, an experience, a revelation – and a collection of six extraordinary champagnes: Krug Grande Cuvee, Krug Rose, Krug Vintage, Krug Collection, Krug Clos du Mesnil and Krug Clos d'Ambonnay.