1998 Krug "Clos d'Ambonnay" Brut Champagne

This is the first vintage of Clos d’Ambonnay that I have had the pleasure to taste and it is an absolutely exquisite wine. The nose is deep, very pure and very elegant, wafting from the glass in a complex mélange of apple, melon, orange peel, brioche, caraway seed and an absolutely brilliant base of soil tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite opulent at the core, with beautiful acidity, utterly refined mousse, impeccable focus and balance and simply stunning grip on the very, very long, crisp and seamless finish. Like many of the top 1998s, the Clos d’Ambonnay will not demand any bottle age before providing great pleasure, but should have no difficulties holding gracefully for a couple of decades. A beautiful wine. (Drink between 2011-2030)