2011 Krug Vintage Brut, Champagne, France

(97 Points) Because 2011 was a challenging vintage for Champagne it would be very easy to over-generalize as many readers may have had less than ideal experiences elsewhere. But Krug?s 2011 Champagne Millesime Brut is not your average Champagne. With a rounded nose it pours a medium golden straw hue and is creamy with aromas of orange blossoms custard fresh pear hazelnut and delicate smoky incense. Medium to full-bodied and refined on the palate it has a rounded and pristine profile with ripe balanced fruit floating through the palate a pinpoint mousse and a delicate hint of almond skin on the finish that I would expect to become more pronounced with age. Following the more tension-driven vintage of 2008 which was characterized by a more high-toned and lemon-tinged profile this wine will be accessible sooner (probably also the case for the future release of 2012) and will undoubtedly provide an open window for drinking over the coming 15 to 20 years. Drink 2028-2048. Krug ID: 322038  Jeb Dunnuck