Photo courtesy: Johnny

Krug Rose (Multi-Vintage) old label

Grape proportions: 55% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay

Tasted in Dec., 2009

Since the delicate bottle-dressing of Krug Rose old label is already unique among all Krug cuvees (it appears almost un-Krug to me), I have every reason to expect this to be a very special Krug. And indeed she is!

Pale copper-orange robe, revealing her age. Creamy mousse, very fine and lazy bubbles. Initially, the nose is rather restrained with hints of earth cellar and black currants, then gradually opens up to aromas of rose petal, red currant and raspberry. Just one sip, and your heart smiles: exquisite red fruit delicately balanced by beautifully ripe acidity, with mouthwatering length. A great style!

It is with great interest that we follow the constant evolution of the nose: walnut, honey, butter, milk chocolate and subtle oak, then come back waves of rose petal and raspberry! So lovely to see the rose character and the Krug character alternates on the nose, fighting to be recognized! And as Johnny points out: every time when we empty the glass, there remains an imprint of the typical Krug aromas: nuts, honey, butter, chocolate and oak -- all seamlessly integrated and long.

Around 1 hour and a quarter after uncorking, both the nose and the palate take on a new depth of butterscotch… (1 hour and a half after uncorking, the palate thins up and is on the way out...)

This is a lovely and indeed special journey with Krug, and rose…

P.S.

We find that:

1.       In a Richard Juhlin Champagne glass, the Krug character has the upperhand on the nose, while the palate is more rose-like;

2.       In a tulip-shaped glass (like Riedel’s Riesling / blind tasting glass), the rose character is more pronounced, both on the nose and the palate.