Poll: Krug NV vs. 2003 Dom Perignon

[JimHow]

Which champagne would you rather drink on New Years Eve?
Both are the same price, $133.

[DavidG]

I tend to prefer Krug MV to Dom except in special years like 1990, 1996, 2002. So I would go with the Krug MV.

1996 Krug would be even better.

[JimHow]

I had a chance to get some 1996 Krug at a good price in NH a while back but, like an idiot, I waited....

[stefan]

Ten years from now, the Dom. For now, Dom if the Krug is recently released; Krug if it was released 2-5 years ago.

[JimHow]

Ah I see. JS gives the Krug 96 points and He gives it 93....

[JimHow]

bump last chance to vote before i make my purchase

[DavidG]

Good point, Stefan, regarding a little age on the Krug MV. Dom also benefits from cellaring in good years. I haven't actually tasted the '03 Dom, so my pick of the Krug is not based on personal experience.

[JimHow]

Pardon my ignorance, but would the "Krug Grande Cuvee Brut" in stock in NH for $133 be the same as a Krug NV?

[dstgolf]

Correct Jim.
After the NV Grand Cuvee you have Rose,Vintage,Clos du Mesnil & Clos d'Ambonnay rounding out the Krug stable.

[JimHow]

Thanks Danny, approaching the New Hampshire liquor store in Portsmouth, planning on buying a bottle of each.

[JimHow]

Mission accomplished!
I got one bottle of each, although it was the 2004 Dom.

[Rieslingfan]

2003 is a dodgy Champagne vintage anyway.

[DavidG]

Clearly you made the only possible correct choice: one of each!

[JimHow]

It is the BWE way!

[JimHow]

...

[Claret]

Jim's Dallas bottle of 03 DP is one of the top 03 European wines I have tasted and maybe the top of the heap.

[DavidG]

Wow, Glenn, that's an impressive statement. It must have made a killer impression. When did Jim pop the '03 Dom? I don't remember it.

[JimHow]

In the room David at the Benevolent Dictator's Welcome Reception.

[dstgolf]

Not quite the same out of plastic cups if I remember correctly but it was still a treat.

[Tom In DC]

2003 is a very good Dom that will reward a decent rest in the cellar.

But I'll always vote for Krug in the vs. Dom poll. Krug is just a Jim How kind of wine.

[JimHow]

Sounds like the Krug is the clear winner, especially since I voted for the Dom just to get the poll started.
I expect to be uncorking at least one and possibly both bottles this Tuesday evening.

[Claret]

Wow, Glenn, that's an impressive statement. It must have made a killer impression. When did Jim pop the '03 Dom? I don't remember it.

David, yes it did make a delicious impression on me. I used to be a big Krug fan with a sublime 85 standing out in my memory but DP now does it for me. You can take this all with a grain of salt as I like sparkling wine, but find many but not all higher end Champagnes to only hit the good or very good levels on my pleasure meter and do not merit their high price tag. Big yeast monsters are not my style either. I drink primarily California sparklers made by Champenois houses and vintage Shramsberg Blanc de Blanc as they offer the best value for my palate.

[DavidG]

Schramsberg is my favorite California sparkler producer. Their J Schramsberg and BdB can stand up well to most Champagnes. I also like Domaine Carneros. The others I've tried are ok but I'd rather have Champagne. I do like the Bready yeasty thing.

[Claret]

Another of my QPR and totally food friendly picks is Mumm Napa Rose. Beautiful strawberry and red Pinot Noir fruit with crisp acidity and a powerful mousse of fine bubbles. California fruit with the French touch.

[JonB]

"JS gives the krug...."

BD - are you a subscriber?? My have times have changed.

[JimHow]

I read JS's note somewhere, Jon, and man was he right! I too would rate it a 96-pointer, although my experience with high end champagne is limited. It really opened up beautifully over the course of two hours, showing all kinds of complexities and nuances.