Krug 2008

I quite like the 2008 Krug. It reminds me a bit of the 1988 on release (which was the first Krug I tasted on release). It is far less giving, rich, and developed than any recent vintage. My feeling is that many got used to the richer on release character of most other recent vintages - 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1998, and even the 1996. The 2008 is going to take a long time to develop and doesn't have quite the same intensity as the 1988, but it should still turn out to be top notch. Are the 169, 164, and most other Grande Cuvees drinking better now, sure. So are most other vintages of Krug especially the outgoing, fun 2006. Krug's internal name for the 2008 is 'Classic Beauty' and I think that fits very well as it is the most backwards, yet traditionally structured Krug in a while. The plan is to slowly roll this out as they need it to last for a while and want to continue their trend of dual vintages on the market. This means the 2006 will continue for a while as the 2008 slowly ramps up its roll out and goes out in tranches.
 
Just catching up on this fascinating insight to the world of Krug Champagne. Its only something I've ever bought once (a pile of halves of the GC in Bottoms Up closing down sale many, many years ago). I've never tasted any of the single vineyard or single vintage wines they produce, and nothing in this discussion would entice me to go and buy some. To me the prices are way beyond my realm of justification (and even the wines I do buy, I often find hard to justify to non-wine geek friends).
I think I'll remain quite happy guddling around the shallow end of the pool and look forward to opening a magnum of Gaston-Chiquet's Reserve Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ 2008 at a fraction of the Krug 2008's bottle price.
 
Just catching up on this fascinating insight to the world of Krug Champagne. Its only something I've ever bought once (a pile of halves of the GC in Bottoms Up closing down sale many, many years ago). I've never tasted any of the single vineyard or single vintage wines they produce, and nothing in this discussion would entice me to go and buy some. To me the prices are way beyond my realm of justification (and even the wines I do buy, I often find hard to justify to non-wine geek friends).
I think I'll remain quite happy guddling around the shallow end of the pool and look forward to opening a magnum of Gaston-Chiquet's Reserve Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ 2008 at a fraction of the Krug 2008's bottle price.

Paul, it wasn't so long ago that you could pick up the GC for £90 or less. Now that it is approaching double that price, with a few quibbles about recent quality, it is probably fair to say you are taking the right approach. Having visited several times, spent a day blending with the cellarmaster, and been to some extraordinary events in London and Scotland for various vintage, Ambonnay and Mesnil launches, I do have a huge soft spot for Krug, but whether I ever buy more might depend on a more attractive price deal coming my way. I'm glad to have a few bottles in my cellar.
 
Just catching up on this fascinating insight to the world of Krug Champagne. Its only something I've ever bought once (a pile of halves of the GC in Bottoms Up closing down sale many, many years ago). I've never tasted any of the single vineyard or single vintage wines they produce, and nothing in this discussion would entice me to go and buy some. To me the prices are way beyond my realm of justification (and even the wines I do buy, I often find hard to justify to non-wine geek friends).
I think I'll remain quite happy guddling around the shallow end of the pool and look forward to opening a magnum of Gaston-Chiquet's Reserve Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ 2008 at a fraction of the Krug 2008's bottle price.
Caroline says hi….and can you speak English next time you see her.
 
I’m in both camps. I have a few mags of Chiquet’s 08 BdeB Ay and vintage Krug in various forms as well as the MV. I’ve also been fortunate enough to taste lots of vintages and single vineyard wines from Krug.

I’m happy to drink all of them, although the question of value is a perennial one.We’ve seen it asked in Burgundy and Bordeaux many times before.

The interesting thing for me is the relatively recent widening gulf in pricing between the perceived “best” in all regions and wines that are perceived as “second tier”. There was a time not that long ago when Bordeaux first growths were twice the price of seconds, Grand Cru Burgundy was something like £60 a bottle and 1er cru was £35-40, when Krug was £70 and the better growers were £30, when Rayas was twice the price of Clos des Papes and Pegau.
 
Tom,
I am with you totally on this. Yes there is the occasional disappointment but so there is with champagne in general. As I have related before, a few months ago at an event in London, a bottle of Les Chetillons was just so wonderful. Just a few weeks later, at another event, the same chap brought another bottle from the same case to this event. This one was a huge disappointment.
That's how it is with champagne. Of course, the pain is greater when you have paid a small fortune to obtain the bottle!
 
Caroline says hi….and can you speak English next time you see her.
:) The excellent Madame Toussaint Mosnier? She does struggle with the Scottish language. Have you been recently? We were last there in 2019, the summer before the Covid spoilt things. It was Caroline's day off too so we missed her, but her reserve taster was Nicolas, so I suppose we weren't treated too badly.
As well as their champagnes being rather decent, I have a soft spot for them as I had organised a visit many years ago and was welcomed by a young Nicolas, who spent a couple of hours with me and Mrs A going through their range. It was only later that I discovered he had opened the place up on a Sunday morning, which was usually their day off. Being occasional annual tourist visitors we couldn't be described as important customers, so it was very kind of him to see us.
 
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Yep. Super as always. 2013 looks like it’s been a bit underrated as a vintage to me. Probably in the shadow of 2012 a bit. Undeservedly.

They’ve just released a rosé with a 2018 base (reluctantly as they consider it too young - but have been overwhelmed by demand) which was quite unlike any rosé I’ve had there before. Very fruity and stylish, but obviously young.

I also tasted the Brut Reserve. I usually like it but just wanted to check. It was really lovely and just about ready to go, as it should be.
 
Hopefully we'll get to visit next summer. I've yet to taste their vintage BdeB d'Aÿ (I only have 2 mags, both 2008). I have tasted from mag their NV (and have 2 of them as well) and have several bottles too. Its probably my favourite from them. Given it was 2019 since my last purchase (apart from the SC 2013), they should have accumulated some decent age by now.
Apologies for hi-jacking the Krug thread, which has been a great read.
 
Did anybody buy a case or more of this ?
I was offered a small amount at the release price, circa £210-15 IB.

Saw an email pop in today for a case of 6 - £410 per bottle.
is this really the new market price ? Release a tiny amount at “release” then really release it at higher price. Not entirely unique I know but £500 a bottle on the table ?
 
As I was reading this, an offer for Krug 2008 “Les Creations” appeared in my mail box from the LVMH agent in Malaysia. It’s an OWC with a bottle of 164 and the 08. £405 equivalent delivered which appears to be relatively good value. I love the 164 and loaded up accordingly on release, but the 08 hasn’t moved me so will probably just buy a few
 
As I was reading this, an offer for Krug 2008 “Les Creations” appeared in my mail box from the LVMH agent in Malaysia. It’s an OWC with a bottle of 164 and the 08. £405 equivalent delivered which appears to be relatively good value. I love the 164 and loaded up accordingly on release, but the 08 hasn’t moved me so will probably just buy a few
It’s certainly good value for the 08 vs today’s “market price”…!
 
Nope! Not seeing it, just like the so-called super vintages of 1990, 1996, and 2002 (that have a tendency to posses exaggerated characteristics), the 2008 just feels a bit clunky. Oaky maturity in the nose, with the ubiquitous praline meunier ensemble on the palate (early doors Krug). Too much aldehydic maturity here, the acidity is searingly angular and out of balance.

These characterful vintages cannot be forced and one wonders if the selection in favour of the GC, together with Krugs vinification formula are incompatible with such years. The 08 base GC is superlative, and the 04 and 06 vintage wines are excellent too.

Krug 2008 is 92-93/100 wine for me, drink 2023-2027. Stick with GC and other vintages.
 
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