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So what happened to New Zealand's allotment of 12 bottles of the world's rarest and most expensive champagne? At the end of July Moet Hennessy proudly announced the release of the exceptional Clos d'Ambonnay champagne from the formidable House of Krug.
The rarest of all Krugs, only
250 cases of this 1995 treasure were produced. A supremely elegant, aged champagne made from pinot noir grapes with an intense copper gold colour, it has a rich creamy bouquet and a lingering vibrant finish of brioche, grilled almonds, candied spices, wax and red berry. Yours for a cool, recommended retail price of $5600 per bottle.
Okay, that narrows the field somewhat. Or so you'd think. According to New Zealand's Krug brand manager, Katie Jacobs, they sold out in 48 hours. What recession? Three bottles went to boutique wine dealer who has since on-sold them, one was purchased by Christchurch restaurant Le Petit Croix. Claire Riach from Le Petit says it's still for sale. "It's advertised on a specials blackboard for $6500 but the bottle itself is out of view in a safe place.
We hope it will go to a customer looking for that little something extra ... somebody who will really appreciate it." Six bottles have been secured by the Glengarry chain, which plans to make them available prior to Christmas, probably on a first-come, first-served basis. The final two were bought by Jeff Poole of the Fine Wine Delivery Company.
"They never hit the shelves, they've been sold privately to very good customers for their cellars. I could've sold more, I had to forgo my own bottle in the interests of clients," says Poole. Olivier Krug, director of the champagne house that bears his name, says, "This is a rare and exceptional champagne of remarkable character.
It's a celebration of time, of savoir-faire, and of one of our best-loved terroirs, revealed now in its fullest, most intense expression."
Forgetting all the hype, how good is this luxury beverage? Can't help you. At about the same price as my first house, it was way out of my league.
Recommended
2004 Green Point Chandon Vintage Brut
Methode traditionelle sparkling wine blended from the classic champagne grape varieties, pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay. Lovely and affordable
Price: $42
Ayala Brut Majeur N.V.
Tiny exclusive producer, taken over by Bollinger in 2005. Medium weight, wonderful clarity. Ideal aperitif, soft, fresh and well balanced.
Price: $75 - $77