Krug Brut Champagne 2004

99 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2019 in France; 39% CH, 37% PN, 24% PM; aged more than 12 years on lees; disgorged autumn 2017; ID 417036). The astonishing freshness, staggering purity, pitch-perfect precision and sheer vitality of the energetic and enduring 2004 season find a new lease on life at 15 years of age in Krug’s capable hands, making for a Krug Vintage of thrilling flair, charged with enormous potential. The 'Luminous Freshness' tag adopted by the house for this vintage could not be more apt. It continues to sing in pitch-perect freshness and stunning complexity, now more white pepper than ever, with a tense core of intense white lemon and apple. Such vivacious freshness is disarming, with a tremendous laser line of malic acidity that slices through its core and directs a finish of scintillating acidity and epic persistence. Minerality is profound, in a wash of frothy sea salt chalk. All this is set against a classic Krug core of molten wax, truffle and incense. In extraordinary persistence, profound line and sheer, enduring longevity, this is a Krug that hovers, unchanging, for minutes, confidently set for a lifetime spanning many decades. At 15 years of age, it screams out for at least as many years again before it attains its full potential. That is when the true magic will begin. (Edition VII; 2024)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2004 Vintage is a gorgeous Champagne that is just beginning to enter its first plateau of maturity. Dried flowers, brioche, mint, marzipan, tangerine peel and spice lend notable nuance throughout. A hint of reduction adds intrigue. As always, the 2004 is a linear, focused Champagne endowed with terrific energy. It is impeccably done. There's a bit more Chardonnay and Meunier than usual in this vintage, and that very much comes through in the wine's personality and overall feel. The blend is 37% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay and 24% Meunier as opposed to the more classic 50%/35%/15% blend. Disgorged: Summer 2018. Krug ID: 318031. Drink: 2024-2044. (Mar 2024)"

97 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "Combining subtleness with complexity, the coolish Krug 2004 Brut opens with a highly elegant, fascinatingly clear, bright and refreshing bouquet of ripe (apple) fruits. Dense and round, with a delicate mineral soul, the pure but perfectly balanced 2004 reveals great finesse and weightless elegance with a long and round finish. This is a gorgeous Krug vintage that is 14 years old but still on the rise. Tasted from ID 316034 in New York in November 2018. Drink: 2018-2050. (Nov 2018)"

97 points James Suckling: "ID: 214041 This is an extremely fresh edition and remains in a restrained mode with an intense serve of chardonnay's lemon citrus dominating the nose alongside lime zest, bright florals, grassy elements, fresh dough, white stones and very subtle background spice. The palate has a svelte and elegant shape. Smoother than the 2002, it shares the same quality of precision but not the raging power of that vintage. The poise is unquestionable, the wine very reserved, with plenty of lemon-infused citrus flavors, hints of fresh cashew and a lot of potential. Acidity holds superbly, the dosage is exactly where it should be. This is a classic release... (1/7/18)"

96 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2004 Krug Brut Millésime is a superb example of the vintage. The cépages this year is 39% chardonnay, 37% pinot noir and 24% pinot meunier. It was aged twelve years sur latte prior to disgorgement and preparation for market... really starting to blossom nicely, offering up a deep and complex bouquet of apple, pear, sourdough bread, a superb foundation of minerality, caraway seed and a smoky topnote... bright, full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with a superb core of fruit, fine mineral drive and grip, elegant mousse and a long, vibrant and complex finish... 2020-2085. (Nov/Dec 2020)"