Vintage Krug is the yardstick against which all vintage Champagnes are measured. They began selling the '85 in 1994. These majestic wines always require long bottle storage, but the '85 was surprisingly accessible from the start, with its wonderful, elusive nose of smoke, cream, honey, nuts, peaches, and vanilla. The oak character doesn't stand out rather, it is the elegant, velvety soft fruit—particularly Pinot Meunier from Leuvrigny—that is noticeable. Very long aftertaste of vanilla. During the last year of the 1990s the wine hit a clear rut that it still hasn't recovered from. I'm not going to drink my bottles until 2010.

Elegant, refined and firmly fruity, showing complex aromas of toast, fig, almond and pear, backed by ripe apple, fig and nut flavors and supported by refreshing acidity. This is harmoniously balanced?an outstanding Champagne. 6,000 cases made.