Critic Reviews
100 Points - Decanter, Decanter
“Harvest began on 23 September. Hazelnut, spice and floral notes form part of the remarkable aromatic complexity of this Champagne, which also shows extraordinary depth of character. On the palate, there is a sensation of flesh and opulence, balanced by the precision and erect backbone of racy acidity, finishing with an enthralling saline note. Perhaps the most impressive Salon of the tasting – a truly great wine that leaves one speechless. (YC)”
100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com
“Tasted at 28 years old, it felt youthful and pristine, retaining Salon’s signature tension and nerve. Aromatics reveal crushed seashells, lemon confit, crystalline salted caramel and poached apple. The palate is where it truly excels — refined yet lively mousse, buoyant acidity and chalky richness expanding through an extraordinarily long finish. A profound bottle and a profound wine. (AF)”
99 Points - William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“Drinking superbly, this bottle of 1996 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil represents the apotheosis of Blanc de Blancs. It unfurls over hours with a complex bouquet of citrus oil, confit lemon, dried white flowers and oyster shell, with praline and pastry cream emerging as it opens. Medium- to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it is defined by the incisive spine of the vintage cloaked in layers of fleshy, chalky extract. Long, penetrating and saline on the finish. (WK)”
99 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
“Maturing into a medium golden hue, the 1996 Salon reveals alluring aromas of butterscotch, dried apricot, pineapple upside-down cake and preserved lemon, with hints of sea spray and praline. The light- to medium-bodied palate delivers Salon’s hallmark razor-fine acidity alongside rich, evolved caramelised tropical fruit layers. The bubbles remain exquisitely tiny and persistent, leading to a very long, mineral-tinged finish. (LPB)”
