Special Club Champagne – Terroir and Talent

While many know Champagne through famous houses like Taittinger, Krug, Lanson, Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon, there is a growing movement of Récoltants-Manipulants (grower-producers) who farm their own vineyards and craft wines that express their unique terroir. Among the elite is Le Club Trésors de Champagne, a group (currently of) 25 exceptional growers (including the three featured producers below) united by a commitment to quality, authenticity, and terroir expression. Within Le Club, the pinnacle of achievement is the Special Club — a bottle shape and designation reserved only for the very best cuvée(s) each grower produces in outstanding vintages. To be chosen as a Special Club Champagne, a wine must pass multiple blind tastings by a jury of fellow Le Club members and external oenologists, both as a still base wine and also post-second fermentation, generally 3+ years later before the wine is considered for commercial release. If the jury all agree that the wine merits the honour of carrying the Special Club label then it is permitted to be sold as a Special Club Champagne, in the distinctive, slightly antique-shaped bottle first used in 1971, signaling to collectors and connoisseurs that they are holding something rare and something that represents the height of Champagne craftsmanship.

97-99 pts #wine review – @Krug 2004 Brut #Champagne – “Luminous Freshness”

Krug 2004 is a blend of 39% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir, and 24% Pinot Meunier. The nose shows buttered croissant, white cherry, fresh cut hay and hazelnut.  Fresh beyond words, the crispness in this lively wine persists for minutes on the palate leaving the taster with the sensation of perpetual palate refreshment.  With each sip every taste bud jumps when the fine mouse carries in the bright fruit acidity and layers of flavours.  The flavour enhancing salinity of Krug 2004 makes this an exceptional wine to pair with any dish from seafood to the richest casseroles.  Showing beautifully now with only subtle indications of its 13 years of aging, I'd recommend medium to long term cellaring and enjoying it between 2020 and 2034.  For life's most special moments this Krug would be a perfect choice! Tasted December 2017. 97-99 points.  Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca

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