Krug 1998 offers astonishing purity, precision, elegance and a very long finish. For Krug, a focus on Chardonnay for Krug’s 1998 vintage was an obvious choice due to the outstanding personality of Chardonnay grapes of that year. This vintage is known as our Hommage au Chardonnay as it is only the second Krug vintage, after 1981, where Chardonnay dominates.
This jeroboam spent at least 14 years in Krug's cellars, receiving its cork in Autumn 2012. Composed of a selection of the year's most characterful wines, Krug 1998 is the expression of the year 1998 revealed by Krug.
As it is a jeroboam, we let it rest for even longer, waiting until the Champagne is ready to be enjoyed.
In 1998, the classic contrasts so often seen in Champagne were played out to extremes. We watched as the mercury crept up to a sweltering 39°C in August, before breaking with heavy rains. We carefully followed the progress of each plot, waiting to see how they might be affected. But then September, in its habitual benevolence, brought exceptionally dry and mild conditions and we started the harvest at the end of the month with complete peace of mind.
When the time came to taste the wines of the year, the Chardonnays from certain plots in Trépail and the Côte des Blancs area immediately emerged as stars for their lustrous vibrancy and dynamic character. To this was added the characteristic structure of the Pinot Noirs from plots in the southern Montagne de Reims region, providing one key to Krug 1998's ageing potential. The final touch of freshness came from the Meuniers, mainly selected from plots in Leuvrigny on the south side of the Marne Valley, less exposed to August's hot sun.
The predominance of Chardonnay in the blend is a rarity in the history of the House of Krug, with just one other Vintage sharing this quality - that of 1981. Krug 1998 associates roundness and warmth, precision and freshness, expressing the essence of a quintessentially contrasted year.
The final composition of this bottle of Krug 1998 is 37% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay and 16% Meunier.
At the House of Krug every Vintage is crafted to be different, celebrating the distinct character of a particular year. It is as if Krug 1998 were the music of the year, captured by Krug.
Eric Lebel
Tasting notes
Deep light golden colour announcing this unique contrast between freshness and maturity.
Expressive aromas of bread, hazelnuts, dried fruit, caramelised orange peel, then cocoa as it warms up, and finally pepper and gingerbread.
Flavours of crystallised citrus fruits, caramelised orange peel, dried fruits, pepper and gingerbread, with a soft, creamy texture.
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Krug 1998 could be enjoyed with fish with fine flesh
such as sea bass or turbot accompanied by lemon sauces
or citrus fruits, as well as spicy or exotic dishes
(Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Thai), with crystallised ginger and other spices.
ratings
"This harmonious Champagne offers luxurious texture and powerful, focused acidity, showing aromatic accents of spring blossom, crushed thyme and chai, with rich notes of lemon meringue, hazelnut, black currant and fresh porcini mushroom. The full package. Impressive." –AN
I am not a professional, so it is hard for me to describe the different Krug Champagnes with the right words and precision – but I can feel them. Once I had explored the House of Krug and had the fascinating process of creating Krug Champagnes explained to me, I had the confidence to imagine their music and the ideal way to enjoy them with music I love.
You don’t need to be a professional to appreciate a great piece of music or love a painting; in the same way with tasting Krug Champagnes, I can express through music, my feelings and instincts, what moves me and what I feel. The emotions, pleasure and feeling of enjoying Krug Champagne is a wonderful experience open to anyone…