Wine Enthusiast 100
The 35th and most recent vintage of Salon since the house was founded in 1905 is memorable and magnificent. Made only from Chardonnay grown in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, it combines intense minerality, a crisp textured core and the beginnings of maturity. The depths of this wine, with its layers of fruit and steeliness, are superb. Even after 12 years, it still needs to age further. Drink from 2018.
Wilfred Wong 100
One of the most amazing experiences of my life, not only because the Champagne was simply out of this world, but that I poured a glass for my niece Natalie for her 21st birthday. She had no idea that this wine is one of greatest gifts to the wine world. Maybe when she is as old as I am, she will recall the moment? The 2002 Salon is simply remarkable and underscores just how magnificent the Champagne region of France is, this was a timeless moment as I savored this glass. Medium straw, light yellow color; beautiful ripe apple aroma, with a hint of yeastiness; quite precise and luxurious, incredibly elegant, frisky and super alive; medium bodied, rich, layered and stylish on the palate; dry, fine acidity, well balanced; excellent super-young flavors of ripe apple and light yeastiness; long finish, subtle layers in the aftertaste. One of the best wines, I have ever enjoyed. Perhaps I could have waited another 10 years before popping the cork. (Tasted: November 27, 2014, San Francisco, CA)
James Suckling 99
A subtle, intense champagne that shows a complex character of lilac, minerals, sliced lemon, apple and white pepper. It’s full-bodied and dense but racy and agile with a lightness and freshness. It has a gloriously long finish. It changes every moment in the glass, and has such clarity. It’s magnificent to drink now, but shows great texture and structure for ageing. Best since 1982.
Wine Spectator 97
There's vibrancy and a sense of finesse to this rich and creamy Champagne, which is defined by racy acidity and a streak of chalky minerality. Offers an expansive palate of glazed apricot, oyster shell, toasted almond and spun honey flavors, accented by hints of ground ginger, dried lemon peel and marzipan. The finish is racy and persistent. Drink now through 2030.
Allen Meadows - Burghound 96
2002 Brut “Le Mesnil” Blanc de Blancs: (from magnum). As I commented the last time I reviewed this from 750 ml, I was mystified by the (relatively) poor showing as Salon is almost always excellent and often genuinely great. This example, though I underscore that this review is from magnum rather than 750 ml, displayed a quality and character that were literally worthy of being described as a night and day difference. So, the review from magnum format is: A cool and pure nose features notes of citrus, in particular lemon rind, along with plenty of yeast, green apple, floral and iodine elements. The refined and intense middle weight flavors are shaped by an ultra-fine mousse that contributes to the sense of subtlety and finesse, all wrapped in a fantastically long and deep finish. Moreover, this is absolutely nowhere near being ready as the ’02 version of Salon is going to age for years, indeed my 2022+ estimate may very well be 5 years too early. Either way, this is an estimable vintage for one of my favorite wines. 96/2022+
