New Year's Eve

1996 Champagne, Krug
$300
Jen’s Notes

This one took a while to open up, which wasn't too surprising; we had heard people say it was a bit young. But, we ushered in 2008 with this Champagne anyway, along with Tsar Nicoulai's California Estate Osetra, a steak and scallop fondue, and some foie gras (great with the steak).

Initially, it was difficult to detect the wine's flavors, beyond the toasty/yeasty impression, similar to Krug's Grand Cuvee. As the wine opened, however, the complexity and mouth filling fruit took center stage. I tasted plum and gooseberry, apple, cardamom, and choux pastry. The caviar was a perfect accompaniment. Its buttery minerality doesn't need anything besides a lovely Champagne