Grande Cuvée, 171ème Édition, Krug

The first thing to note is the colour, as it shows a much more intensely golden hue than most champagnes. That touch of initial barrel age, usually just 3 months for the individual wines pre-blending, and 7 years of in-bottle cellar age has added to the the visual intensity.

The fizz is tight and precise, each bubble piercing the surface and releasing aromas of dried orchard fruit a hint of almond, nougat and perhaps even gingerbread.

The palate has a lovely depth and weight to it; Burgundian in style with orchard fruit, marzipan, quince, and citrus all swirling around in perfect harmony. Then, a slight hint of toast building in weight, but a weight that is countered with fine effervescence and steely zest. A post-tasting breath re-awakens notes of warming baked apple, pastry, marzipan and a biscuity character that hold on the palate for an exceptionally long time.