DOM PERIGNON & KRUG RARITIES
CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE
Why Buy: When it comes to Champagne vintages, there are good years, and then there are the legendary 2000, 2002, and 2008 harvests — it simply doesn't get better than this unprecedented collection of wines from Dom Pérignon and Krug. Six of these bottles hail from these epic years, with 5 of them coming from Dom’s much-coveted P2 label, which has endeared itself to collectors for the unrivaled length of time the Champagnes are aged in oak. And the crown jewel of this distinguished group? The Krug Clos du Mesnil 2008. This isn't just another exceptional champagne. Born from noble soil enriched with ancient Roman chalk, this is, in our estimation, quite literally a once-in-a-century wine.
What They’re Saying: Vinous awarded the 2002 Dom Pérignon P2 a stellar 97+ points: a "simply stunning” wine, it wrote, full of "weight, richness, and breadth.” It was even more enthusiastic about the 2004 Dom Pérignon, bestowing 98 points and hailing its "linear energy and crystalline precision," noting that it possesses that special "extra magic that comes from fermentation and longer aging.” About the Krug Clos du Mesnil 2008, a near-perfect 99-pointer, Vinous was sent into uncharacteristic raptures: "a very, very special Champagne,” it wrote, a wine with "soaring aromatics, fine, chiseled fruit ... understated depth” and a "superb fine mousse” that "will take its place among the greatest vintages made here ... Magnificent."
Our Tasting Notes: Dom Pérignon and Krug: two titans of Champagne, each with its own distinctive style. Dom Pérignon's vintage-only approach captures yearly nuances, while Krug is known for powerful, meticulously crafted wines. What unites both houses is their mastery of details. In all of these extraordinary Champagnes, you’ll find the kind of grace notes that are like discovering the hidden but illuminating details in a classic painting, along with a joyous exuberance that gives lift, dimension, and excitement to the drinking experience. We could go on and on for days about all of these exceptional wines, of course, but will confine the rest of our notes to some ruminations about three of these bottles that particularly moved us:
* The Dom Pérignon P2 2002 opens with a symphony of citrus and stone fruits, underscored by subtle notes of brioche and honey. On the palate, it's electric — razor-sharp acidity balanced perfectly against a creamy mousse and deep, resonant fruit flavors. The finish? Seemingly endless — leaving you to contemplate the mysteries not just of great winemaking, but also of the universe.
* Krug's 2004 Vintage showcases precision and power. Its complex bouquet of white flowers and almond paste leads to a palate layered with green apple, pear, and toasted nuts, all supported by Krug's signature intensity. This is a Champagne, truly, for all occasions — one you’ll want to keep near at hand for long, lingering brunches, and keep a healthy supply of for celebrations.
* The Clos du Mesnil 2008 is, frankly, mind-bending. It's a laser beam of pure Chardonnay expression, with an intensity that's almost shocking. The aroma profile is a kaleidoscope of white flowers, citrus zest, and crushed chalk, with a hint of salinity that speaks to its unique terroir. Each sip reveals new layers —now green apple, now juicy pear, now toasted almonds — and a minerality so profound it feels almost textural. A wine that demands attention and rewards contemplation.
The Specs: Dom Pérignon and Krug each bring unique philosophies to their Champagne crafting. Dom Pérignon, devoted to vintage releases, captures each year's essence. Their standard vintages age on lees for 8 years, while P2 series sees 12-16 years, amplifying complexity. Krug, famous for both vintage and multi-vintage wines, ages their vintage Champagnes for at least a decade. Their signature Clos du Mesnil, a single-vineyard marvel, often matures for 12+ years. Both houses share a commitment to minimal dosage and meticulous production. Krug's approach involves separate vinification of each plot, often in oak, enabling precise blending. Dom Pérignon's blend remains a guarded secret, tailored to each vintage's character. The result? Champagnes of unparalleled depth and nuance, each bottle a liquid testament to winemaking mastery.
The Stories:
* Dom Pérignon has long stood as an icon in the world of Champagne, its name synonymous with luxury and excellence. Born from the legacy of the Benedictine monk Pierre Pérignon, who made significant contributions to the méthode champenoise in the 17th century, the house has been crafting exceptional vintage Champagnes since 1921. Dom Pérignon's philosophy revolves around capturing the unique essence of each year, creating wines that are a harmonious expression of time and terroir. This bold approach means that in years deemed unworthy, no Champagne is produced - a testament to their uncompromising standards. The house's reputation is built on this pursuit of perfection, with each vintage showcasing the pinnacle of Champagne craftsmanship. Dom Pérignon's allure lies in its ability to balance power with finesse, complexity with approachability. Wine lovers and collectors alike cherish these Champagnes for their ability to age gracefully, developing deeper, more nuanced flavors over time. The P2 series, representing the "second plenitude" of maturation, further cements Dom Pérignon's status as a house that pushes the boundaries of what Champagne can be.
* Krug's Clos du Mesnil is more than just a champagne — it's a testament to the enduring power (and allure) of place. This tiny, walled vineyard in the heart of the Côte des Blancs has been producing extraordinary Chardonnay since 1698 … nearly eight decades before the U.S. became a country. When the Krug family discovered it in 1971, they knew they had found something special.The vineyard's location is almost mythical — a south-facing slope with that legendary chalk subsoil, protected on all sides by ancient walls. This unique microclimate allows the Chardonnay to achieve a level of ripeness and complexity that's simply unmatched elsewhere in Champagne. But it's not just about the land; it's about the exceeding care that goes into every bottle. Krug's dedication to quality is legendary, with each vine tended by hand and each bottle representing the pinnacle of their craft. The 2008 vintage, in particular, is already being hailed as one of the greatest in living memory — a perfect alignment of ideal growing conditions and masterful winemaking.
Fun Fact: The Clos du Mesnil vineyard is so small, you could multiply it by 200 and still not fill New York City's Central Park. Yet, astonishingly, from this tiny plot comes one of the world's most sought-after wines.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today and take home a piece of Champagne history!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025.) With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024.