Once again, I revisited Krug's NV Grande Cuvée 162ème Édition in the company of the 2006 Brut—supplemented this year by the 2006 Clos du Mesnil. Based on the 2006 vintage, complemented by some 40% reserve wines dating back to 1990, the Krug tasting committee sought out racier, fresher reserve wines as a counterpoint to the gourmand, generous character of the base year, and that has worked very well. Mingling aromas of dried fruits, pear and toasted brioche with nuances of iodine, candied peel and smoke, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and lively, with fine depth at the core and beautiful balance, marrying beautifully vibrant fruit with the complex patina that is the house's signature.

Based on the 2006 vintage. Such an exciting elixir! Truly Krug on top form with a beautiful creamy texture at this stage of its evolution. (JR)

Pinot Noir 44%, Chardonnay 35% and Pinot Meunier 21%. Base vintage 2006. Reserve wine 40%. Lees ageing for 7 years. Disgorged spring 2014. Dosage 6 g/l. Deeper colour than the 163rd edition. Rich, open and a little bit buttery/creamy. Broad and less elegant than the 163rd and not as persistent. This is powerful but stands out in the line-up for its (relative) lack of elegance even though it has some nice toasty notes. (JH)

Krug ID: 213018. 142 ingredients ranging from 1990 to 2006. Really vinous on the nose, with lovely complexity – cheese, citrus, dough. (RH)