Originally Posted by QRC3288

I don't have time to find the production figures, but I think it's a distinct possibility Rare 2002 is more limited production than Krug 2004.

While it will depend somewhat on the house, 2002 is in general a superior vintage to 2004.

I will add that Krug 2002 retails for a lot more than Krug 2004...and similarly I don't think I've ever seen on the Krug '02 on any airline's list (at least that I fly).



You can always buy Krug 2004! It's at a price anyone, even if they're only flying in F o points tickets, can afford for a special occasion once in a while. You should be able to find it for $225-$300 USD depending on the country you're in.

I've still never had Piper Rare 2002, but given all the discussion and consternation on here about it I'm definitely going to now. Looking on Cellar Tracker, Rare 2002 and Krug 2004 have nearly-identical ratings. Although it's not perfect I find CT to be probably the best of the lot about accurately "rating" wine, especially for higher-end wines...nothing to be proud of per se, but wine snobs globally frequent that site more than most. And CT's tasting notes are excellent.

In my mind, I blame the bloggers / social media for the bizarre airline "Champagne wars". And for all the silly discussion on the blogs about Champagne, it's quite clear to anyone who drinks and/or buys a bit of wine that those blogger guys really don't know squat about wine. Which is a problem to me because they are "influencing" people's opinion...about wine. Lol. I'm convinced they would probably misidentify everything if given a proper blind tasting, and I would put a lot of money behind that statement. (I'm also convinced they strongly believe otherwise.) Just reading what they write about wine is absolutely cringe-worthy stuff most of the time.

Krug 2004 is definitely lovely stuff. Just saying I think a lot of "disappointment" people feel is this stuff created by branding perpetuated by social media/ bloggers / etc.

The bigger problem isn't Champagne, but it's the fact the rest of the wine list is usually so dreadful. It's actually quite amazing people lose their mind over a Krug 04 -> Rare 02 "downgrade" (splitting hairs!) but don't seem to mind a $10 Chardonnay, lack of quality Burgundy, far-too-young Bordeaux, etc. on the list. And don't even get me started on J class wines!