The year 2003 was a truly unique and eventful one for Champagne, with particularly challenging circumstances.

A dry winter and spring with an early bud break was followed by two serious frosts, which resulted in significant loss, especially of Chardonnay grapes. August was a record-breaker with average temperatures of 28.5°C – ten degrees above the seasonal average. The first harvest took place on August 23, the earliest since 1822, but the extreme variations in ripeness throughout the plots meant harvest dates could not be set for each village, as is usually the case in the Champagne region. Thus, the harvest continued in waves until early October. A year of such extremes was unheard of in living memory.

At the end of harvest, there were small yields, healthy grapes, an expected over-ripeness but also an unexpected under-ripeness as some of the vines had stopped maturation as a protection mechanism from the intense heat. This was only observable thanks to Krug’s respect of the individual expression of every plot, which also enabled the winemaking team to find surprisingly fresh, aromatic and balanced wines with vivacious fruit.

Krug 2003 tells the story of the year and reflects the challenges faced. It includes a higher quantity of wines from black grapes than usual and thus also a smaller amount of Chardonnay (29%), which was used sparingly to bring aromatic richness. Expression and vivacity come from the wines of the plots of Meunier (25%) from villages such as Sainte Gemme, Villevenard and Courmas. The Pinot Noirs (46%) with their lovely structure and body – from the south and north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims – add balance and freshness.

After over a decade gaining finesse in the cellars, Krug 2003 can be enjoyed now or for many more years to come. As with all Krug Champagnes, Krug 2003 will continue to gain with time.

Time in cellar: 

This bottle spent around 10 years in Krug's cellars developing its expression and elegance, receiving its cork in Winter 2012-2013.