Krug   Clos dAmbonnay

1996 Clos d'Ambonnay

By Krug

1996 Clos d’Ambonnay by Krug

Featured from our treasure trove is the iconic 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay from Krug, a luminary amidst the fine wines of the Champagne world. It bears a unique stamp of the climatic conditions and terroir that were prevalent for its vintage year, setting it apart in the grand tapestry of Krug’s wine narrative.

 

Memoir in a bottle: Vintage of distinction

1996 was an exceptional year for Champagne, with the distinctive nature of its weather fostering an outstanding harvest. The season was marked by contrast—enticing heat interspersed with adequate rainfall—an alchemy that set forth a dance between sugar concentration and acidity in the grapes. These climatic nuances have imbued the 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay with a richness and vibrancy that render it an exquisite addition to any wine connoisseur's collection.

Hailing from a microcosmic, walled vineyard in the village of Ambonnay, this Pinot Noir is an ode to monovarietal expression. Its depth and complexity are akin to an opulent tapestry woven with threads of full-bodied grape compote, baked Montmorency cherry, and surprising hints of exotic spice; a palpable echo of the unique soil structure and microclimate of its birthplace.

 

Investment blend: Rarity and brilliance

A study in balance and harmony, the age-worthy 1996 vintage marks itself as an appreciable jewel for those seeking worthwhile investments within the domain of wines. As one would expect from this outstanding champagne house, the effervescence is perfectly integrated adding lift to the sensational palate.

The 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay stands as an enduring testament to Krug's mastery over viticulture and vinification, its well-structured taste profile promising continued evolution. This marvellous vintage encapsulates the serene poetry that only comes with time's ebb - a tapestry telling tales of human endeavour intertwining with nature's caprices. In short, it is a sound investment for those who wish to savour or opt for wine-led asset diversification.

Current market price

£28,100.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

1873.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

Somewhat surprisingly, Krug presents the much-anticipated 1996 Blanc de Noirs Clos d’Ambonnay as the first wine in our tasting. This incredibly refined Champagne opens with a superb, well-delineated bouquet and an impeccable, almost imperceptible mousse. At first very refined, the wine tightens up in the glass considerably as the acidity comes to life on the palate. The purest essence of crushed rocks and minerals define the finish. Today the 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay comes across as incredibly young and searing, in fact at this stage, it reminds me most of the vins claires I tasted at the estate last year! The wine will require considerable patience, but given its lack of track record, it seems reasonable to wonder whether the wine will ever be truly as expressive as the 1995, or the other wines in Krug’s 1996 lineup. No disgorgement date provided. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2026. My tasting this year with Olivier Krug was fascinating as I had the rare opportunity to taste all of the house’s 1996’s side by side, a comparison that yielded very interesting results. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2009

Vintage performance