1998 Clos du Mesnil
By Krug
1998 Clos du Mesnil from Krug
A distinctive accomplishment in the world of sparkling wines, the 1998 Clos du Mesnil from Krug stands as a testament to the exquisite union of talent and terroir. From the long lineage of Maison Krug, this Chardonnay heavy vintage stakes its claim firmly as one of the most celebrated harvests from the revered walled vineyard, the Clos du Mesnil.
Anointed with Age
This 1998 vintage has been afforded the luxury of time, allowing the depth and complexity of its profile to evolve beautifully. From its seductive golden hue contained within crystal flutes to its swirling notes of honeyed-fruit, zesty lemon undertones and subtle spice, each sensory experience promises an encounter like no other.
A Prudent Investment Giant
In terms of wine investment, the 1998 Clos du Mesnil from Krug is a wise choice for seasoned collectors and budding connoisseurs alike. With its shimmering quality and opulent unfolding narrative in every bottle, this vintage offers considerable returns on investment both on the palate and in the cellar.
The Remarkable 1998 Vintage
The climatic conditions leading up to the 1998 harvest were notably influential in shaping eventual character and taste. The narrow balance between warmth and rainfall led to a superbly aligned ripening process for this acclaimed Champagne region. Consequently, translating into a live symphony of capricious effervescence, restrained power and ethereal finesse that continues to enchant those fortunate enough to taste it.
To summarise, investing in the 1998 Clos du Mesnil from Krug is partaking in more than just fine wine acquisition—it is an invitation to participate in the cultural heritage and craftsman's legacy. Each deliberate sip bringing you closer to an illustrious past marked by painstaking artistry, unyielding dedication and the promise of temporal investment returns that only a truly great vintage can deliver.
Current market price
$24,540.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
918.75
Scores and tasting notes
The 1998 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil has come together beautifully since I tasted it last year. This is a remarkably taut, focused bottle of the 1998 with great energy and minerality in its precise, crystalline fruit. I don’t expect the 1998 to be one of the longest-lived Mesnils, but if this bottle is any indication, it should continue to drink well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. My visit to Krug earlier this year was fascinating, as I had a chance to taste a number of 2009s and reserve wines. A tank sample of the 2009 Clos du Mesnil was one of the most exciting, viscerally thrilling wines of the trip, and remained etched on my mind for several weeks. I also had a chance to glance over newly found, hand-written original records that document the exact village breakdown of all the grapes Krug purchased in each vintage going back to 1928. This year I tasted a number of fabulous wines from bottle. Unfortunately I can’t include my impressions on Krug’s NV Champagnes because of the house’s insistence on not providing disgorgement dates for those wines. I was reminded of the importance of this information when I tasted a fabulous, utterly spellbinding bottle of the NV Rose. It was a truly beautiful Champagne, but owing to its recent disgorgement it needed at least a few years on the cork. Of course Krug gives a general indication of the disgorgement dates for their wines on the corks, but by that time, readers may have opened a bottle that needs more bottle age. Without this information it is impossible to give readers any reliable indication of when the house’s NV wines might start drinking well. With a retail price over $300 a bottle, opening a bottle of Krug’s Rose can be a very expensive learning experience. Krug fans will want to keep an eye out for my upcoming article on Clos du Mesnil, featuring complete notes back to the inaugural 1979. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2010