Wine Advisor
Salon, Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2002
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Another highlight in this vertical, the 2002 Salon is also fascinating to taste after the 2004. Rich, opulent and intense, yet also very classic in the Salon house style, the 2002 possesses superb persistence and depth. The radiant vintage has softened the contours and given the wine fabulous depth to match its decidedly powerful personality. At the same time, the 2002 remains quite youthful. Next to the brighter and more finessed 2004, the 2002 offers more of a baritone-inflected expression of Chardonnay.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2002 Salon is equally majestic, but obviously much more of an infant. This is a vintage built on pure density rather than the laser-like focus of other epic vintages, the 1996 in particular. On this night, both Champagnes are simply stunning.
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Light yellow. Intensely perfumed aromas of tangerine, poached pear, white flowers and candied ginger, with a vibrant mineral overtone. Velvety and seamless on the palate, offering densely packed orchard and citrus fruit flavors that gain spiciness and vivacity with air. Shows superb depth and finishes long, taut and minerally, with clinging pear and honeysuckle qualities. I have no doubt that this is a Champagne for the long haul; in fact, it really demands aging.
About the Producer
Salon is one of the most prestigious houses in Champagne. Instead of making a range of styles that includes a prestige cuvée like most Champagne houses, Salon makes a single prestige cuvée, which is made entirely from Chardonnay from the village Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The house was founded in 1911 by Eugène-Aimé Salon, who thought that Champagne was overly dominated by heavy Pinot Noir. Consequently, Salon decided to make a top Chardonnay-based label instead. Today Salon is made in only the best vintages. The wine comes from a one-hectare (2.5 acre) parcel owned by Salon and 19 smaller parcels cultivated through agreements with various growers in the Grand Cru-classified Le Mesnil. In years deemed not good enough, the grapes and wine production are diverted to become a part of the Champagne Delamotte label. Salon is held back in cellar for much longer than other Champagnes – it can spend up to a decade in bottle before it is released onto the market, and can be cellared further.
