1988 Krug, Clos du Mesnil 1x750ml

Robert Parker 98

This might rank amongst the top five champagnes that I have ever tasted. It has a shimmering, intense bouquet with subtle scents of dandelion, clarified butter, flint, citrus peel and cold stone, borrowing minerality from a top Anne-Claude Leflaive. The palate is caressing on the entry with otherworldly intensity and breathtaking delineation. There is a purity and harmony to this Clos de Mesnil that is practically impossible to translate into words. Heavenly! Tasted November 2012. [Neal Martin, 01/11/2012]

Vinous 97+

Full color. Extremely fine, persistent mousse. Extraordinary mineral bath of a nose, complicated by pungent lime, iodine, peppermint and coconut; calls to mind a top Montrachet. A superconcentrated wine of incredible palate-staining intensity. Notes of toast, lemon and minerals. With its combination of powdered stone and powerful acidity, this is like a solid in the mouth, and almost painful today. Nearly a minute after swallowing this wine (spitting it is virtually impossible), the flavor had barely begun to flag. Not an easy style (this will be too powerful for some), but one of the most memorable young Champagnes I’ve ever tasted, and as good as virtually any chardonnay from anywhere. [Stephen Tanzer, 11/01/2001]