Krug Clos de Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2006

Winery Notes:

“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 Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the most iconic villages for Chardonnay in the Champagne region.

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.”

99 points James Suckling
“This is a fabulous edition of Krug 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.”

97 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Slated for release later this year, Krug Clos du Mesnil 2006 Blanc de Blancs 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.”

97 points Vinous
“The Krug Clos du Mesnil 2006 was harvested over three days, which is remarkable for a tiny parcel measuring 1.84 hectares divided into five blocks that are often picked over a wider timeframe. Soaring in the glass, the 2006 is stratospheric in its beauty. The richness of the year contrasts so beautifully with the flintiness and energy of Mesnil. With time in the glass the mousse softens, releasing layers of vinous intensity. Tangerine oil, pastry, lemon confit and marzipan all build effortlessly. The 2006 is sumptuous, racy and exotic to the core, with all of that richness supported by a phenolic, intense frame. This is Krug ID: 319030.”