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When Olivier Krug reveals there was not a moment’s hesitation to create Krug 2002, there is good reason to taste the finished article. Krug, after all, is a champagne house not renowned for caprice. Throughout its history it has honed an obsessive approach to detail to produce wines that are singularly greater than the sum of their abundant parts.
Under the guidance of chef de caves Eric Lebel and the Krug tasting committee individual plots are selected and the development of each wine carefully followed. The resulting champagnes are testament to the art of blending and overarching all is a refusal to compromise.
“From the selection of grapes to the ageing of our cuvees in the cellars, patience and an understanding of time are fundamental values we respect. Krug won’t be hurried. Time is one of our strengths.” Eric Lebel
If the decision to produce 2002 Krug was uncharacteristically swift, the result is anything but; it is unmistakably Krug. An unusually generous growing season, with near ideal conditions for grape maturation, meant the fruit was harvested in robust health. The blend itself (40% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay, 21% Pinot Meunier) has benefitted from fourteen years gentle ageing in the Krug cellars and we are now delighted to offer this stunning champagne for the first time.
2002 Krug
“Bright and limpid in the glass, the merest hint of maturity in the pale gold hue. On the nose rich, biscuit notes play with aromas of fresh citrus fruits and a hint of smokiness. Taut, it needs to be coaxed out. On the palate notes of peachy, white fruit from the Chardonnay marry gorgeously with the darker, haunting smokiness of the Pinot fruit. At first reticent, the wine’s tautness belying its staggering concentration, after time a citrus intensity reveals itself, the creamy mousse kept in check by rapier like acidity. Beautifully balanced, the lengthy finish is mouth-watering. This is mightily impressive.” Toby Herbertson, Goedhuis
“The Krug 2002 vintage Champagne is a mix of bright Welsh gold and pale green lights and has a perfect flow of tiny bubbles. What aromatics-spring flowers from well-sited Pinot Meunier, and exoticism in the Chardonnay. The beating heart of the wine is powerful, poised and very complex Pinot Noir, still biding its time to majestically unfold. Magnificent. Drink 2018-2050” 98 points Decanter
“…This was tasted immediately after Krug 2003 and was so much more discreet and savoury than the 2003 on the nose. It is chock-full of acidity and life, is really muscular and much more intellectual. For the moment the 2002 is less obviously fruity than the 2003 – clearly a champagne for long ageing – like many other 2002s – but much more backward than any I can think of immediately. There is nothing in excess; a great example of the Krug art of assemblage. Very solid and concentrated but not heavy at all. The finish is notably dry. This may be an intellectual wine but it’s certainly not hard work…I look forward very much to following the development of this exceptional wine. Drink 2016-2030” 19 points Jancis Robinson MW