Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 2000 (750ML)

92+ Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "I must admit, Krug's 2000 Clos d'Ambonnay remains a mystery. The first bottle I tasted, in March, at Krug, was utterly spectacular. Rich, creamy and ample on the palate, the 2000 was captivating from start to finish. Two thousand is the first vintage made entirely by current Chef de Caves Eric Lebel. My impression at the time was that Lebel had given his Ambonnay softer, gentler contours than the 1995, 1996 and 1998, all which were much more austere when first released. But then I tasted the 2000 several times in the US, where it has so far been less impressive. I am hoping issues with shipping for a handful of samples will turn out to be the root cause, and that the 'real' Ambonnay will be closer to what I tasted at Krug in March. If that turns out to be the case the 2000 will be due for a major upgrade." 07/15

95 Points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator: "An elegant, almost ethereal Champagne, showing a subtle richness and power, with vibrant acidity and a beautifully creamy mousse carrying the finely meshed flavors of Chambord liqueur, singed orange peel, biscuit and spun honey, accented by hints of toasted almond, saline and smoke that gain momentum and echo on the finish. Disgorged autumn 2013. Drink now through 2025." 11/15

97+ Points, John Gilman, View from the Cellar: "The new release of Clos d'Ambonnay is absolutely spectacular. The bouquet is deep, complex and utterly refined, as it wafts from the glass in a very pure blend of white peach, apple, a hint of white cherries, chalky soil tones, brioche, fresh almond, smoky Ambonnay overtones and a brilliant base of minerality. On the palate the wine is deep, pure and quite powerful in style, with a great core of fruit, striking transparency, brisk acids, elegant mousse and stunning length and grip on the very, very complex, seamless and still quite youthful finish. This is a breathtaking example of the 2000 vintage that is certainly approachable today, but is still a puppy and will be even better ten or twenty years down the road." 01/16