1989 Krug Collection Vintage Champagne Magnum (1500ml)

Vintage Krug holds a special place among the landscape of prestige cuvée Champagne, over the years having produced some of the most mesmerising and memorable wines of the region. Appearing only when conditions allow, and never at the sacrifice of their number one wine Grande Cuvée, Vintage Krug is cherished and chased by collectors the world over. Knowing that Champagne displays a range of experiences as bottles evolve over time, Krug also holds back a small amount of these vintage wines to be released as they reach a new peak of expression, naming them Krug Collection. These impossibly rare releases of Krug Collection are kept in ideal conditions in the House’s cellars, and after regular tasting and appraisal are finally disgorged to reveal their new personality.

Krug Collection 1989 is part of Krug’s trilogy of three exceptional years (1988, 1989, 1990) with completely different conditions that resulted in Champagnes that are unique. Comprised of 47% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Meunier, Krug Collection 1989 was kept on lees for 25 years before finally receiving its cork in spring 2014. This 1989 magnum was then allowed to rest further before release.

Other Reviews....
Krug’s 1989 Brut Krug Collection represents their most recent in a long-running series of late-releases that feature a vintage they have decided is especially expressive after entering what they refer to as its “second life.” In theory, if you have ideal cellar conditions and bought Krug’s initial disgorgement of the 1989 vintage when it came on the market around a decade ago, then you have essentially the same wine today, though I have never been lucky enough to make the relevant direct comparison. Given the relative infrequency with which a vintage is “declared” by Krug, their “Collection” bottlings represent the remnants of an already elite band. But this 1989 represents the first re-release from the only series of three consecutive vintage bottlings – 1988-1990 – in Krug’s history. The mingling of saline, nutty, and caramelized notes in the nose – adumbrating this wine’s entire performance – is gorgeous. Butter-toasted hazelnuts, dried wild mushrooms, kelp, and cocoa mingle in a silken, mouthwateringly saline and savory matrix reminiscent of oyster liquor laced with fresh lemon juice (because, there is still a youthfully citric store of energy here). This finishes with correspondingly pronounced umami and with tangy vibrancy of citrus and salt. After a day open, the nutty elements become more piquant and walnut-like, but the smoky hints of oxidation remain balanced by citric and mineral elements and positively integrated into a mysteriously diverse show. The palate becomes plusher (perhaps in part due to diminishing mousse) and creamy in an almost whipped-cream fashion, yet the long finish continues to offer uncanny refreshment. Certainly this can be safely held for at least a few more years and perhaps in an ideal cellar will “plateau” (or continue to).
96 points
David Schildknecht - Wine Advocate (Nov 2013)

It’s Friday, and that can only mean one thing. Champagne. This bottle of the 1989 Krug Collection is one of the very best I have had. The 1989 Collection is variable in quality, and quite a few examples have been on the mature side. Not this bottle. Its flavors are bright, focused and fresh for a Champagne of this age, with the classic super-fine Krug texture that invites a second glass and then a third as we look over the menu.
96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous (April 2015)

Shows a lovely interplay between the creamy bead and rich notes of almond financier, apricot preserves, treacle and cardamom, with finely cut, persistent acidity and flavors of pastis, raspberry puree, fennel seed and fleur de sel. Offers a refined, lasting finish, with a push of saline-tinged minerality. Drink now through 2029.
96 points
Alison Napjus - Wine Spectator (Nov 2013)