Krug – Clos du Mesnil 2002 – Champagne – Brut Blanc de Blancs – 1 bottle (0.75 L) – individually numbered, in original wooden coffret and shipper carton Storage and provenance: This bottle has been stored since purchase in professional, temperature-controlled conditions at around 12–13°C. It is presented complete with its original Krug Clos du Mesnil 2002 wooden coffret, the outer "This Side Up" shipper carton and the Krug booklet, all as delivered. Per the back label and importer strip, the bottle was distributed on the market via Bortársaság (Budapest, Hungary); it is offered exactly as shown in the photographs. The bottle carries its individual number and unique Krug iD (I.D. 115024), through which the full story of this specific bottle can be traced on Krug's website — an outstanding provenance and authenticity feature. Wine critic ratings: Krug Clos du Mesnil 2002 is one of the most acclaimed single-vineyard Champagnes of a benchmark Chardonnay vintage, earning very high scores across the world's leading critics (scores vary by disgorgement and taster): - James Suckling: 100/100 — a wine of staggering length and immense purity, as powerful as Chardonnay can be, with pure lemon, grapefruit, honey and flowers over a sturdy mineral core. Producer and cuvée: Krug, founded in Reims in 1843, is one of the most revered Champagne houses in the world. Clos du Mesnil is its legendary single-vineyard, single-vintage blanc de blancs — the pure expression of one 1.84-hectare walled plot of Chardonnay in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, protected by walls since 1698. Produced only in exceptional years and in tiny quantities, each bottle is individually numbered. The 2002 is the 16th release from this plot, following the first harvest in 1979. Vintage and style: 2002 is regarded as one of the greatest modern Chardonnay vintages in Champagne, with warm, dry, clement conditions producing grapes of rare purity and generosity. The harvest of the Clos du Mesnil took place between 15 and 17 September 2002, yielding just 13,278 bottles and 500 magnums. After around 13 years ageing in Krug's cellars, the wine shows citrus, chalk, brioche, white flowers, honey and spice — precise, pure, intensely mineral and vibrantly fresh, with great tension, creamy texture and a very long finish. It drinks beautifully now and has the structure to evolve for many years. Condition and packaging (this lot): The lot comprises one 75 cl bottle (12.5% vol.) in excellent condition: intact foil, clean and bright front and back labels, and a strong fill consistent with careful, temperature-controlled storage. It is accompanied by the original Krug wooden coffret (branded "Krug – Clos du Mesnil 2002"), the outer shipper carton, and the Krug booklet — a complete, collector-grade presentation set. Drinking window and collectability: As one of the rarest and most collectible prestige Champagnes in the world, from a benchmark vintage, with only 13,278 bottles produced, Krug Clos du Mesnil 2002 is both a trophy for the cellar and a sublime future drinking experience. The complete original packaging, individual bottle number and traceable Krug iD make this an especially attractive and secure lot for collectors and investors alike. Shipping and handling: As I care deeply about the storage and wellbeing of my wines, shipping will be handled with particular attention. I am happy to agree with the buyer, after the auction closes, on the optimal shipping date and method, taking into account weather conditions and transit times. The bottle will be securely packed in its original coffret and shipper carton with ample protective material to prevent movement and impact, and can be sent fully insured with signature on delivery. During warmer periods I can arrange insulated packaging and cooling elements, and we can opt for an express service to minimise time in transit. Happy Bidding!