Winegrower Champagne
Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 “There is no secretRacine
Few people know this garden. Encircled by high walls, protected by an imposing gate, it lies away from prying eyes, on the edge of a peaceful village, on the Southeastern slope of the Montagne de Reims. Here, in the soft Northern light, exposed to view, it is the focus of all attention. For the past 20 years, its plants have been pruned, espaliered and pampered with experience, care and patience and, on the appropriate day, the fruit have been harvested. Here, enclosed in this jewel case, is a vineyard, a tiny one. Its name: Clos d’Ambonnay. A unique 0.685-hectare plot, planted solely with Pinot Noir vines. A treasure which Henri and Rémi Krug have kept secret, revealed only in 2007, with the 1995 vintage. Today, with the 1996 vintage, Olivier Krug, protector of the Krug spirit, reaffirms a principle which is close their hearts: that time remains the surest guarantor of a terroir’s promise.
In 2009, Krug presents this treasure. After 13 years of ageing in their cellars, and following an initial fermentation in small oak casks, the characteristic structure and refinement of Pinot Noir d’Ambonnay has reached its ultimate expression thanks to unique know-how and the guidance of Cellar Manager, Eric Lebel. Patiently, nature and experience, time and the quest for excellence have drawn out the quintessence of this terroir to reach a remarkably intense expression.
This is a magnificent champagne, highly aristocratic, skilfully combining character and elegance, which starts by caressing the senses with its rich fragrances and its full and ripe flavours, before blossoming into a bouquet of freshness. A new signature in the Krug style began in 1995 with the first harvest, a revelation which confirms a charismatic vintage, 1996.
With the passing of the days and the seasons, the vine is refined and exalted to reveal itself in a glorious vintage, as it did in 1996. That was a year of contrasts: following a winter with two cold snaps, springtime arrived with a flourish. It was followed by a capricious summer, with alternating heavy rains and intense heat, moving into a dry and sunny autumn with unusually chilly nights. The harvest began on 25th September. That morning, Clos d’Ambonnay offered up its treasure: the bunches of grapes were picked one by one. With that harvest born of a rare terroir and a once-in-a-lifetime year, Krug decided to create a vintage wine: Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996.
After the richness of a golden, sparkling colour, Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 offers a complex and highly aromatic nose. The bouquet of plums and roasted fruits, characteristic of 1996, are associated with candied citrus, nougatine and smoky notes. This champagne bestows an exuberant crescendo of freshness on the palate, revealing a very taut wine. An example of perfect balance, which, with a definite iodised finish, reaffirms the vivacity of absolute mastery. Sumptuous, complex, racy, Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 reveals itself for what it is: so very Krug.
Krug Clos D’ambonnay 1996UA wine marked by its belonging to Clos d’Ambonnnay and to a solid vintage, 1996. “A vintage like 1996 comes along in Champagne perhaps once in a generation”. Ed McCarthy.August 22nd 2006.
Taste: Plums, candied citrus, baked pastries, nougatine, smoky notes, iodised finish.
Composition: Only Pinot Noir from Clos d’Ambonnay, a 0.685-hectare vineyard on the edge of the village of Ambonnay, on the southeastern slope of Montagne de Reims.
Harvesting date: September 25th 1996.
About de KrugIn 1843, Johann Joseph Krug gave up his position with a reputable winery to follow his dream: the creation of a champagne with an inimitable taste. Since then, with passion and pride, six successive generations have perpetuated this dream, elevating Krug champagne to the ranks of a true living legend. This notoriety is the fruit of the commitment of a winery currently managed by Margareth Henriquez (since January 2009). Like the founder, she puts all her passion and a concern for excellence into her work, elaborating a family of six fabulous champagnes: Krug Grande Cuvée, Krug Rosé, Krug Millésimé, Krug Collection, Krug Clos du Mesnil and Krug Clos d’Ambonnay. So many treasures to share.
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