1996 Krug Blanc de Noirs Clos d'Ambonnay, Champagne

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.

97+ points Antonio Galloni vinous.com December 2009

The 1996 Krug Blanc de Noirs Clos d'Ambonnay is one of the rarest and most coveted Champagnes in the world, representing the pinnacle of single-vineyard, single-varietal, and single-vintage winemaking. Sourced exclusively from the tiny, walled Clos d’Ambonnay vineyard in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, this Champagne is a pure expression of Pinot Noir from one of Champagne’s greatest vintages. First released in 2007, Krug’s Clos d’Ambonnay is produced in extremely limited quantities, making it a treasure for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Brilliant gold in color with a fine, persistent mousse, the 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay opens with an intense and complex bouquet of ripe mirabelle plum, citrus zest, and baked apple, layered with notes of toasted hazelnut, brioche, and delicate spice. Hints of honey, truffle, and wet stone add further depth, showcasing the wine’s incredible aging potential. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet remarkably precise, with an extraordinary balance between richness, tension, and energy. The structure is powerful yet refined, with layers of candied citrus, almond cream, and minerality leading to a long, lingering finish marked by chalky salinity and fine acidity.

The 1996 vintage was legendary for its high acidity and remarkable longevity, making this Clos d’Ambonnay a Champagne that continues to evolve beautifully. It pairs exquisitely with caviar, langoustines, and truffle-infused dishes. Aged Comté or Parmesan also enhance its complexity. While already displaying incredible depth, this Champagne has the potential to age gracefully for decades, gaining even more richness and complexity over time.

Krug’s Clos d’Ambonnay is a testament to the House’s dedication to craftsmanship and excellence, standing as one of the most sought-after and exclusive Blanc de Noirs Champagnes ever produced.