Krug 1985 Brut Champagne

Grape proportions: 48% PN, 22% PM, 30% CH

Tasted in Dec, 2009

A bottle of 1985 vintage original release, not the ‘collection’ one.

Unfortunately, this bottle has lost most of the pressure, hence little effervescence.

But the medium straw robe is still very healthy for her age.

Initially, the nose is restrained with notes of earth cellar, then gradually opening up with honey, spices and mushroom. Remote yet extremely potent, like a rumbling thunderstorm.

The first sip is just touching: full of honeyed mellowness, yet as airy as a butterfly – fairytale finesse! (Rich, complex and robust as Grande Cuvee is, I still prefer the Krug vintages for their finesse and personality)

As the wine evolves in the glass, the nose transforms to nutty depth, then melts down to chocolate, cream, honey and coffee. But all understatedly subtle, nothing extravagant…while the palate goes to coffee finesse with dark chocolate on the finish.

Though the splendour must have been greatly affected by the imperfect storage history, this bottle still touches me.