Tasting Notes
Vinous 95
Just beginning to show the early signs of evolution in its color and flavors, the 2000 Clos du Mesnil is in an in between spot where it is ideally cellared for at least another few years, after which it is likely to remain at a plateau of maturity for many, many years. Smoke, crushed rocks, dried pears, spices and chamomile all add nuance as the wine gradually opens up in the glass.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030
Robert Parker 94
Krug’s 2000 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil represents the most recent incarnation of a nowadays insanely expensive bottling from a 4.5-acre enclave that they have made legendary with dedicated bottlings beginning with 1979, and which " unlike this house’s a oeregulara Vintage Brut " is a oedeclareda nearly every year. A striking aromatic evocation of sea breeze, with oyster and mussel shells corresponds with surprising closeness to the initial aromatic impression made by Krug’s a oeregulara 2000 vintage bottling. But here, gingerbread and candied lemon rind, vanilla and heliotrope emerge from behind the maritime veil, anticipating the ripeness accompanied by transparency to mineral nuances that is revealed on an infectiously juicy and texturally ultra-refined palate. The interaction of maritime mineral, lemony citric, floral and spice elements carries with subtlety and impressive persistence. This is frankly a bit youthfully austere, and I imagine that it will take another year or two for it to begin to tip its full hand; but there is little doubt that nature dealt it a lucky set of cards. It should merit following for at least 12-15 years. Krug " part of the Louis-Vuitton-Moet-Hennessy luxury goods empire since 1999 " continues to release wines fully worthy of their house’s exalted reputation that reflect inter alia the effects of micro-vinification in barrel and an (in the best sense) laissez-faire and leisurely attitude toward elevage and bottle-aging. (Although " for what little this may be worth " count me among those who find the metalicized labels that now adorn their bottles glitzy, and as such slightly incongruous with their contents). Director Olivier Krug represents his family’s sixth generation, assisted by veteran cellarmaster Eric Lebel and oenologist Julie Cavil. Most Champagne lovers will realize that each bottle from Krug nowadays comes with an identification number enabling the consumer to research its approximate disgorgement date " and
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028
JancisRobinson.com 18.5
Originally released in 2012 but this bottling was not from the first release. Much tighter, fresher and leaner than the Clos d’Ambonnay 2000 once served in a decent champagne glass. Very complex and serious on the nose. Brightly fruited and finely etched. Thrilling tension. This wine was originally served in wide burgundy bowls and these made the wine taste much broader and more developed than the Clos d’Ambonnay 2000.
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022
