krug clos du mesnil blanc de blancs 2006 750ml

KRUG CLOS DU MESNIL: A VIRTUOSO SOLOIST

Krug Clos du Mesnil, a very rare Champagne, showcases the unique character of a single plot of Chardonnay, harvested in a single year. This 1.84-hectare (4.5-acre) vineyard, overlooked by the village church, has been protected by walls since 1698. The vineyard is located in the heart of Mesnilsur-Oger, one of the most iconic villages for Chardonnay in the Champagne region.

VINTAGE 2006

The year 2006 was considered a hot one in Champagne, with extreme highs and 23 days recorded over 30°C. It was a capricious climate that went from dry periods to intense rainfall in August, the equivalent of 2 months of rain fell in only 2 weeks. Fortunately, the sun returned to complete the ripening period, shining on a beautiful harvest. The grapes showed balance similar to that of 2002 and 1989, which were also beautiful and generous years. The harvest of the Clos du Mesnil took place between 14 and 16 September 2006 and afforded beautifully mature grapes

KRUG CLOS DU MESNIL 2006 IN ESSENCE:

The House of Krug chose to create Krug Clos du Mesnil 2006 because the year 2006 succeeded in offering ideal conditions for the maturation of beautiful grapes, with the promise of revealing the full potential of this walled plot. Krug Clos du Mesnil 2006 exalts the crisp purity of a single walled plot of vines (clos in French) in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and of a single grape variety – Chardonnay – from a single year, 2006. After over 12 years in Krug's cellars, it reveals a precise signature and a striking grace.

KRUG CLOS DU MESNIL 2006 IS UNIQUE:

Krug Clos du Mesnil 2006 is the nineteenth Champagne from this unique plot of Chardonnay. The first was created with the harvest of 1979. The circumstances of 2006 lent the year’s grapes a rare beauty, making this year exceptional. The harvest afforded 14,973 bottles and 800 magnums (not yet available), all individually numbered. As with all Krug Champagnes, Krug Clos du Mesnil 2006 will continue to gain with the passage of time. The full story of every bottle is revealed online via its Krug iD, the six digits on the back label.

TASTING NOTES

At first sight, vibrant luminosity and an intense golden colour redolent of ripe wheat. On the nose, delicate aromas of citrus, barley sugar and dried fruits with balance and freshness. On the palate, it is generous and round with beautiful intensity. Initial hints of madeleine cake and brioche give way to notes of pastry, tarte tatin, lemon meringue, bitter orange and a little spice. The finish is long, with great tension and notes of candied ginger.

FOOD & WINE PAIRING INSPIRATION

Krug Clos du Mesnil 2006 pairs beautifully with fish or shellfish dishes such as fillet of flounder in a saffron sauce, zander with beurre blanc, seared scallops or tuna carpaccio. It may also be enjoyed with delicately flavoured meat dishes such as blanquette de veau.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

JS99, 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."

D97, 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."

WS97, 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."

RP97, Robert Parker's 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."

750ml bottle