Krug Grande Cuvee 172eme Edition Brut, Champagne, France

Few Champagnes embody the art of blending as profoundly as Krug Grande Cuvee 172eme Edition Brut, Champagne, France. The 172nd recreation of Joseph Krug's original vision brings together 146 individual wines from 11 different years, reaching as far back as 1998. Built around the challenging yet expressive 2016 harvest, this extraordinary Champagne incorporates 42% reserve wines and nearly seven years of cellar maturation to achieve remarkable depth, precision, and complexity. Awarded 98 points by Wine Enthusiast, the 172ème Édition demonstrates why Krug Grande Cuvée remains among Champagne's most celebrated prestige bottlings.

Product Details:

• Grapes: 44% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, 20% Meunier
• Blend: 146 individual wines from 11 different years
• Base Harvest: 2016, representing 58% of the blend
• Reserve Wines: 42%, drawn from ten additional harvest years
• Oldest Wine: 1998
• Youngest Wine: 2016
• Vinification: Individual vineyard parcels vinified separately in small oak barrels
• Lees Aging: Approximately 7 years in Krug's cellars
• Dosage: Undisclosed. Approximately 4.5 g/L, as reported by Wine Advocate for its reviewed bottling
• ABV: 12.5%
• Style: Brut, non-vintage prestige Champagne
• Owner: LVMH, through Moët Hennessy
• Cellar Master: Julie Cavil

Sensory Description:

Radiant golden straw with a remarkably fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet unfolds in layers of white flowers, candied citrus peel, ripe orchard fruit, and dried apricot, followed by marzipan, gingerbread, and delicate toasted brioche. The palate is expansive yet beautifully focused, revealing lemon curd, roasted hazelnut, nougat, honey, and subtle spice. Creamy texture meets vibrant acidity and a finely etched mineral character, creating a compelling contrast between richness and freshness. The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering citrus, toasted almond, and a delicate saline impression.

Awards & Accolades:

• Score: 98 Points, Wine Enthusiast, Roger Voss, December 2024
• Score: 97 Points, Decanter, April 2024
• Score: 97 Points, James Suckling, May 2024
• Score: 97 Points, Falstaff, October 2024
• Score: 95 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2024

Producer’s Background:

Founded in Reims in 1843 by Joseph Krug, Maison Krug was established around a radical ambition: to create an exceptional Champagne every year, regardless of the growing season. Rather than relying on a single vintage, Krug developed an extensive library of reserve wines, allowing each new Grande Cuvée to express a depth and complexity beyond any individual harvest. Acquired by LVMH in 1999, the house continues this philosophy under cellar master Julie Cavil, who succeeded Éric Lebel in 2020. The 172ème Édition exemplifies that commitment, bringing together wines from 1998 through 2016 to balance the latter year's challenging spring and expressive late-season ripening. Each bottle carries a unique Krug iD that allows its owner to explore the Champagne's individual history and disgorgement details.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 48–54°F (9–12°C), as recommended by Maison Krug, in a generous tulip-shaped Champagne glass or a fine white wine glass rather than a narrow flute. Its remarkable complexity deserves time to develop in the glass. Pair with oysters, butter-poached lobster, grilled prawns, truffle risotto, aged Comté, or roasted poultry. For a particularly luxurious pairing, consider turbot with truffles or Jamón Ibérico. Already compelling upon release, the 172ème Édition also possesses the concentration, acidity, and structure for further development under proper cellar conditions, making it equally suited to a memorable celebration or thoughtful long-term collection.