It has been a while since we met, but the Krug 1996 is unequivocally a brilliant slice of champagne " the nose cut from some slab of limestone that must of plummeted into the Champagne countryside from outer space. The palate is rapier like acidity, life-affirming mineralite and a focus and freshness that is nothing less than thrilling. Krug is one of life's great pleasures and this is one of their finest vintages. Tasted November 2012.