1990 Krug, Vintage Brut 1×1.5L

Vinous 97+

Full copper-gold color. Initially restrained, brooding nose exploded with aeration, showing apple, orange, apricot, honey, iodine, smoke, hazelnut, macadamia and a suggestion of dry oloroso sherry. Dense, full, chewy and rich; an extraordinarily solid Champagne with an intriguing suggestion of Calvados. Broadens toward the back and goes on and on on the echoing aftertaste, with rich, mellow notes of toffee, brown butter and marrow. Like the ’92 Clos du Mesnil, this displays its powerful underlying acidity with aeration (Krug’s wines never go through malolactic fermentation) and should be long-lived. (Clicquot Inc., New York NY [Stephen Tanzer, 01/11/2004]

Robert Parker 91

A very “leesy” nose mixed with chalk, minerals and a hint of walnut. The palate has very good acidity, but this is still very primal and citrus. Freshly cut lime on the finish. I will be conservative with my score because it is missing that x-factor that makes Krug so special. I prefer the ’88 Krug. Tasted February 2003. [Neal Martin, 02/01/2003]