Krug - Champagner Grande Cuvee 166eme Edition, brut

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Compared to Krug's 160th edition, the bright golden-yellow colored NV Grande Cuvée 166ème Édition (ID117010) is still a baby that shows the chalky and fruity features of a young white Burgundy intermixed with notes of Schwarzwälder Kirsch (dark cherries with black chocolate) and floral (ammonia) flavors on the pure, fresh and elegant yet intense and still yeasty brioche nose with its ripe apple aromas and refreshingly bright (lemon juice) overtones. Round, wide and very elegant yet also straight and tense on the palate, this 2010-dominated cuvée is very delicate, fresh and chalky but also dense and lush in its vinous texture. The finish is well-structured, fresh and persistent, indicating great complexity and vibrancy. However, I would wait at least another three years, during which time the 166th edition will gain even more finesse and quiet. The 166ème Édition is composed of 140 wines from 13 different harvests between 1998 and 2010, and it's a blend of 45% Pinot Noir with 39% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Meunier, the latter of which provides the vivacity that the Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs surprisingly didn't have in 2010, a vintage that was marked by its "tumultuous climate," as Eric Lebel writes. Tasted in New York in November 2018."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This is the latest incarnation of Grande Cuvée, now in its 166th edition. Toasty aromas signal an enticingly mature wine, rich with intense secondary flavors. It preserves the wonderful richness and the style of this producer. The wine is ready to drink now, but it will be also enjoyable for many more years."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This mouthwatering Champagne feels like a swathe of raw silk on the palate, where flavors of sun-dried white cherry, toast and Meyer lemon peel are accented by expressive saffron, ground coffee and mandarin orange peel aromas. Long and racy on the honey-, spice- and smoke-laced finish. Disgorged winter 2017. Drink now through 2025. — AN"

JAMES SUCKLING: "Complexity from the very outset with praline, honey, grilled-hazelnut and nougat aromas leading to a fresh background of peaches, lemons and grapefruit. Chardonnay leads on the nose for now. The palate has finesse, fleshy appeal and terrific focus. Long, powerful and seamless. A strong edition of Grande Cuvée. Drink or hold."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "100% grand cru vineyards. 45% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay, 16% Pinot Meunier. Base vintage 2010 and 42% reserve wine. Seven years' ageing on lees. Disgorged winter 2017. Dosage 6 g/l. Tasted blind. Lemon yellow. Putty note. Deep straw. Rather yeasty nose with quite a bit of age in evidence. A little loosely textured with a very savoury note. Finishes very dry. Tense."