1995 Clos d'Ambonnay
By Krug
1995 Clos d’Ambonnay from Krug
A masterpiece uncorked from the annals of time, the 1995 Clos d’Ambonnay from Krug is enshrouded in an oppulent mystique redolent of its historic Ambonnay origins. The year 1995 was sterling for Ambonnay, bestowing upon the wine a synesthetic palette drenched in the seductive allure of the trodden grape.
Fine quality exemplified
Produced from a scarce array of old vines, this vino hails from Krug, a champenoise house celebrated for its undying commitment to craft and quality. Nestled in a mere 0.685 hectare walled plot in the heart of Ambonnay, arguably Champagne’s finest Pinot Noir region, it distills the quintessence of its terroir into an earthly elixir bound by richness and vivacity.
The precious wine reveals notes far removed from pedestrian blends that crowd our palates—distinct red fruits adroitly woven with whispers of brioche and spice. Each sip continues to evolve over hours and even days, revealing intimate layers with graceful complexity.
1995: A year of climatic blessings
The climatic conditions unique to 1995 invite savvy wine investors to ponder their fortunes—the summer rain sufficiently quenched the vineyards, while tempered heat prevented a premature harvest. The result is a season kissed by ideal weather—neither frozen nor scorched—that forged an enduring vintage praised by enthusiasts and critics alike.
Nature's endowment of perfect conditions carves this 1995 vintage with a formidable identity; less about overt power, more keenly adapted towards elegance and balance—a testament to the strategic foresight of maison Krug; all wrapped up in bottled history waiting to be decanted.
In the world of prestigious bubbles, few manage to mirror this level of individuality infused with such compelling form and persistent length. As an investment wine, it sits amongst those exquisite bottles that can provide a generous return alongside transcendent tasting experiences.
A rendezvous with 1995 Clos d’Ambonnay from Krug is not merely sipping a distinctive potable delight—it is an intimate dance around the captivating narrative of a singular vineyard expressed through the quiet grandeur of one memorable vintage.
Market price (HKD)
HK$246,910.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
1435
Scores and tasting notes
The 1995 Brut Blanc de Noirs Clos d’Ambonnay is simply profound from the very first sip. All of the classic Krug elements are there; the signature bouquet, the finesse of the best Clos du Mesnils, but with the broader shoulders of Pinot from Ambonnay. The fruit is intricately layered in sublime, graceful notes of mineral-infused, perfumed berries that linger on the eternal finish. Totally rich and seductive, the 1995 Clos d’Ambonnay is a wine that will stimulate the intellectual and hedonistic senses to the maximum. In a word, it is divine. The 1995 Clos d’Ambonnay is hard to resist today, but it should continue to develop positively in bottle for a number of years. The only problem is the $3,500 price tag, which means the wine will only be enjoyed by an elite few. No disgorgement date provided. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. My tasting this year with Olivier Krug was fascinating as I had the rare opportunity to taste all of the house’s 1996’s side by side, a comparison that yielded very interesting results. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2009