Krug Brut Champagne 2000

100 points Gilbert & Gaillard: "Beautiful gold colour. Profound, evolving nose with fruity aromas (cherry, fig, dried fruits) augmented by mocha and mild spice notes. The palate marries vinosity and an ethereal character, remarkable mellowness and persistency with freshness framing the whole. Gold standard. (Mar 2012)"

98 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(disgorged Autumn 2012; 43% chardonnay from Trépail, Villers-Marmery, Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; 42% pinot noir from Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Ay; 15% meunier from Sainte-Gemme and Villevenard; ID 412048). Krug dubs Vintage 2000 gourmandise orageuse--stormy indulgence--after its chaotic season, among its most intense and warmest declared vintages, alongside 1947, 1959, 1976, 1982 and 1989. It carries a gentle and calm demeanour that belies its tumultuous season. In spite of glowing generosity, it's somehow transfixed in time, held in suspended animation and astonishingly barely evolved from its release four years ago, yet somehow even more expressive. The sheer endurance of even a warm vintage is a marvel, finding a new lease on life in Krug's capable hands, with remarkable freshness and vitality infused by a taut yet silky line of malic acidity, drawing its multifaceted complexity into tight control. Aglow with yellow summer fruits becoming orange zest, the great intensity of Krug resonates in rumbling depth of butterscotch, honey, molten wax, toast and hints of smouldering hearth. All the silky lusciousness of 2000 is on parade, amidst deep-set mineral expression and silky texture on a finish of sheer concentration and wonderful poise. A brilliant Krug, right at its prime, with no sign of waning anytime soon. (2016/2017)"

98 points James Suckling: "Very fragrant. This has developed bright, ripe red cherry fruit aromas, vanilla cream, sweet roasted almond biscuits, some marzipan, tobacco, lemon meringue and chalky minerals. The palate has an assertive core of fine acidity with more yellow fruits expressed on entry, like peaches and nectarines. Good ripeness, superfine acidity. The redder fruits build as it goes; cherries and raspberries, yellow plums to close. Full of life. Drink now or up to 20 years, it will go the distance. (7/10/15)"

97-98 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(43% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier). This is one my favourite Krugs of the recent years in its macho richness and muscular structure. The stylish oaky note is finely integrated to the intense fireworks of aromas ranging from coffee and patisserie to vanilla, oriental spice and dried fruits. Sits beautifully on the reductive side, aging slowly. Never-ending, impressively concentrated finish full of succulent fruit. Great ageing potential but blooming already. A glorious, glorious magnum (Krug ID 115008, Disgorged Winter 2015) was tasted in December 2019: Beautifully clean maturing fruitness and super stylish toasty richness. Still, its best features is the stunningly creamy, caressing texture on the long, well-built palate. (Dec 2019)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "Rich and mouthwatering, this powerhouse Champagne is driven by vivacious acidity. The expansive palate features flavors of glazed apricot, toasted brioche, candied kumquat and ginger, espresso crème, fleur de sel and cognac. Offers a long, lingering, well-spiced finish. Disgorged summer 2013. Drink now through 2030. (9/9/15)"

97 points and '100 Best Wines of the Year (2015),' Wine & Spirits: "When first released two years ago, this wine showed some of the exoticism of the 2000 vintage, the broad flavors ranging from lobster broth to lemon zest and star anise. As it has matured, the wine’s richness is at once more baroque and more seamlessly woven into a deep golden beauty. Rather than fresh, it feels brisk and lithe. The wine’s fragrance is layered in deep complexities and elevated to sunny high notes. A glorious vintage of Krug. (Dec 2014)"