2006 Champagne Krug, Clos du Mesnil, Blanc de Blancs, Brut

ID 319030. Disgorged in the third trimester of 2019 and released 12 months later. Presented online by Olivier Krug and Julie Cavil with vintage 2006 and Grande Cuvée based on 2006. He pointed out that Clos du Mesnil is the same size as the Place Vendôme in Paris, so pretty tiny. It could all be picked in one day but they assign two days for the task because the grapes are at different ripeness levels thanks to differences in vine age and a certain amount of shading.Sleek, lively and lifted – even ethereal – on the nose with light notes of putty. Complex nose – quite mature – but still very tight on the palate. At Krug, they see a minty note. Some definite chewiness. They are happy for the wine to be quite textured. It's definitely skinnier, crisper and overall rather less satisfying than the Krug vintage 2006. They serve this first of the three 'because it has the most precise expression'.Drink 2020 - 2030jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (November 2020)

100% Chardonnay, disgorged at the end of 2019. Dosage: 4g/l.The first aromatic impression is surprisingly floral in the context of such a hot vintage and then evolves to reveal elements of menthol, liquorice and yellow fruit. With aeration, the bouquet blossoms to reveal increasing complexity, including spicy notes. On the palate, this is a fleshy and densely textured Clos du Mesnil with a salty tang on the finish, one that stands out for its singularity, albeit in the context of a classic crystalline, tense purity. Bravo – a work of art!Drink 2020 - 2070Yohan Castaing, Decanter.com (September 2020)

This is a fabulous edition of Clos du Mesnil. The pure chardonnay is magnificent with density and agility at the same time. Apple and mineral notes with cream and biscuit character. Citrus and hints of Mirabelle. Chalky, yet stony at the same time. Layered, yet linear and really long. But remains subtle. The acidity is so precise and focuses on the flavours and nature. Lasts for minutes. Even better than the 2004. Drink or holdjames_suckling, jamessuckling_com (January 2021)

The Krug's 2006 Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil Brut shows refined aromas of citrus fruit, apricot and white pear and delicate notes of toasted biscuit and freshly baked bread. The layered palate is concentrated and delivers an excellent fruit definition, led by a persistent, light mousse and long finish. An approachable vintage, ready to be enjoyed now. Drink 2020 - 2045robert_parker, Jr., Wine Advocate (March 2023)