Krug - Clos du Mesnil 1982 OWC

Report: Krug Champagne Clos du Mesnil Vintage 1982

1st Introduction:
Krug Clos du Mesnil 1982 is a living legend of the Champagne world - a monumental Blanc de Blancsfrom a unique walled Grand Cru vineyard in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. It is considered one of the greatest champagnes of the 20th century.

2. the terroir: Clos du Mesnil

• Uniqueness: A tiny 0.68 hectare walled vineyard (Clos) in the centre of the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (Côte des Blancs).

• Soil & exposure:Pure, old chalk soil with south-east exposure - ideal for Chardonnay. The wall protects from the wind and creates a warmer microclimate.

• Grape variety purity: 100% Chardonnay - an absolute rarity for a prestige cuvée from Krug back then.

• Philosophy: To represent the essence of a single, exceptional terroir in pure flavour.

3. the 1982 vintage:

• An outstanding, warm and sun-drenched vintage in Champagne.

• Ideal conditions for Chardonnay: ripe, concentrated grapes with full preservation of the lively acidity structure.

• A guarantee for longevity and complexity.

4. vinification & ageing (typical of Krug):

• Selection: only the very best grapes from the Clos.

• Complete fermentation in wood: Use of small old oak barrels, which lend complexity and texture without dominating oak flavours.

• Extra low dosage:Typical of Krug to preserve the purity of the terroir and fruit. The maturity of the vintage made a lot of sugar superfluous.

• Long bottle ageing: After disgorgement, the champagne developed to full harmony in the bottle over further decades.

5. sensory profile (at maturity):

• Colour:Deep, bright gold with amber reflections - signs of considerable maturity. Lively, fine perlage (often already somewhat calmer).

• Nose : Beguilingly complex and intense. Explosion of ripe yellow fruit (apricot compote, mirabelle plum, candied lemon), dried fruit (honeydew melon, fig), fine toasted notes (butter croissant, almond biscuits, brioche), honey (acacia), minerality (chalk, flint) and delicate floral notes (acacia, dried flowers). Background of shea butter, marzipan and a hint of smoke/truffle.

• Palate: Full-bodied, incredibly dense and yet light as a feather. Perfect balance between ripe fruit richness (apricot, honeydew melon, candied citrus), lively acidity (fresh but integrated), creamy texture (due to yeast ageing) and deep minerality (chalk, salinity). The complexity of the nose is fully reflected, complemented by notes of ginger, saffron, nuts and a hint of sherry vinosity (oxidative elegance). Powerful, but with an elegant silkiness. The maturity is obvious, but the structure remains impressive.

• Finish: Monumentally long and complex,the flavours of ripe fruit, chalk, roasted notes and delicate nuttiness linger for minutes. The mineral freshness keeps the palate clean and demands the next sip.

6. significance & rarity:

• Cult status: the 1982 is the epitome of Clos du Mesnil and one of the most sought-after champagnes of all time.

• Absolute rarity: Extremely limited quantities. Bottles fetch top prices at auction.

• Proof of longevity:Shows that outstanding Chardonnay champagne can last for decades with the right structure and gain complexity in the process.

7. tasting recommendations:

• Temperature: Not too cold! 12-14°C is ideal to allow the complexity to unfold.

• Glass: Large, tulip-shaped white wine glasses or special champagne glasses with enough room for the flavours.

• Accompaniment : Pure as an object of contemplation,it dominates every meal. At best, very subtle accompaniments are possible: fresh lobster or langoustine with delicate butter, white truffles (grated over simple pasta), the finest, mild cheese (e.g. Chaource) or simply good company and time.

• Time: Be sure to let it breathe in the glass! The flavours develop and change dramatically over 1-2 hours. An experience in several acts.

8. evaluation & conclusion:
The Krug Clos du Mesnil 1982 is an absolute pinnacle of the art of Champagne and one of the greatest Blanc de Blancs expressions ever.

• Complexity: 10/10 - An almost endless spectrum of evolved flavours, combining terroir and time.

• Depth & structure: 10/10 - Monumental density with floating elegance. The chalk minerality provides backbone.

• Balance: 10/10 - The integration of ripeness, acidity, texture and alcohol is masterful. No one component dominates.

• Length: 10/10 - A finish that invites you to reflect and marvel.

• Uniqueness & rarity: 10/10 - A historic benchmark cuvée with a mythical aura.

• Overall impression: A transcendent champagne that not only offers a sensory spectacle of unrivalled depth and harmony, but is also a historical document and proof of the genius of terroir, vintage and winemaking. The experience of such a wine is rare and formative. For connoisseurs and collectors, it is a "holy grail".

Note:The condition of the cork and the storage conditions are crucial for such old bottles. A perfectly stored bottle will reveal its full splendour, while a less ideally stored one may still be impressive, but may not be at its absolute peak.

To summarise:the 1982 Krug Clos du Mesnil is more than a champagne - it is a liquid sculpture of time, chalk and sun. A wine that inspires awe and has rewritten the definition of greatness in the sparkling wine world. A privilege to experience.