1990 Krug Clos du Mesnil
Buying options
Tasting Notes
I have harbored enormous expectations for this wine. The foremost vintage in recent years combined with—in my opinion—the world's foremost vineyard. I was initially disappointed when the wine exhibited a relatively coarse side, with oxidative notes of maturity akin to the Salon of the same vintage. After a while, clear and unexpected aromas of papaya and melon arose. This wave was followed by a spicy breeze, laden with juniper elements. The oxide note disappeared and the taste suddenly felt keenly acidity and slightly one-dimensional. After fifteen minutes in the glass the wine finally found itself. Suddenly, it became incredibly subtle and multifaceted, just as it headed into its last and—in my opinion—best phase: the “Selosse Phase!” Never before have I found a wine with a scent reminiscent of the 1986 Selosse that I had six years ago. The last sips were like rekindling an old love in a new body. The fascinating wine journey on which this Champagne will take you will be shortened the longer you wait before opening a bottle. On the other hand, those who are patient will drink a significantly better wine. One year after launching, the wine is much more stable and now totally in its “Selosse Phase.” Nov 2015, www.champagneclub.com
Critic Scores
Average Score
Richard Juhlin
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1990 Clos du Mesnil captures the warmth and opulence of the year, yet preserves fabulous minerality and freshness. It is a beautifully balanced, harmonious wine that delivers on so many levels. There is plenty here to satisfy both the intellectual and purely hedonistic senses. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the seamless, glorious finish. This is a dazzling Clos du Mesnil. Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate July 2011
A seductive mosaic of biscuit, honey and walnut oil lead to baking bread and citrus in this masculine, youthful Champagne. Very tightly wound and bracing at the moment, this needs time (and food) to open up and reveal all its charms. More muscular and rigid than the elegant '88. Best from 2005 through 2025. 1,200 cases made. May 2003, www.winespectator.com
The 1990 Clos du Mesnil captures the warmth and opulence of the year, yet preserves fabulous minerality and freshness. It is a beautifully balanced, harmonious wine that delivers on so many levels. There is plenty here to satisfy both the intellectual and purely hedonistic senses. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the seamless, glorious finish. This is a dazzling Clos du Mesnil. Jul 2011, www.vinous.com
About the producer
Krug is a remarkable Champagne House which only makes prestige cuvées. The wines – with their distinctive rich, complex, oxidative style – are some of the region’s best.