Grapes: 43% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 22% Pinot Meunier

A Perry's favorite, Krug Grande Cuvée is born from the dream of one man, Joseph Krug, to craft the very best Champagne he could offer, every single year, regardless of annual variations in climate. Since 1843, the House of Krug has honoured this vision with each new edition of Krug Grande Cuvée, now brought to life by female Cellar Master Julie Cavil.

Krug Grande Cuvée 169ème edition was composed around the harvest of 2013, a year that beautifully expressed the unique characters of some of the House’s iconic plots. The season began with a seemingly endless winter followed by a rainy and cool spring. Luckily, summer was hot and sunny, although also marked by hailstorms, which took their toll in the vineyards. The wines of the year were generous, expressive and full of flavours.

The wine is, as always, exceptional. A light golden colour and fine, vivacious bubbles, holding a promise of one of the world's greatest wines. Aromas of flowers in bloom, ripe, dried and citrus fruits, as well as marzipan and gingerbread dance on the nose, whilst the palate reveals flavors of hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar, jellied and citrus fruits, almonds, brioche and honey.

James Suckling: 97 points.