100 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "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... Drink from 2018. (Dec 2014)"
99 points James Suckling: "Otherworldly in its piercing intensity, focus and sense of potential that is still remarkably yet to come, this is a staggeringly great Champagne. Superfine aromas of lemon and grapefruit plus commanding chalky minerals and an ethereal floral layer too, still very primary and unevolved. The palate is scintillating, moving with incredible velocity and lightning-like intensity - acidity is the driving force. Citrus flavors are locked in deep and the precision is almost impossible to comprehend, as is the length. Near perfect. Drink it in 10+ years. (7/10/15)"
98 points Richard Juhlin: "...Mouthfeel is velvety and aromatically the walnut oil and the salty minerals are playing against the apple blossom. Here we have a purity and brightness that sharpens all senses. This magic wine reminds me a lot of my first meeting with legendary 1982 Salon. Drink: 2020-2040. Alcohol 12.5%. (Dec 2014)"
97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): " (disgorged early 2014). Didier Depond considers 2002 the perfect image of Salon, of blanc de blancs and of Le Mesnil... It has followed a gentle curve of evolution at the pace of a giant sea turtle, charged with a flash of pure lemon blossom, grapefruit, pear and fennel of brilliant precision and refined elegance. With time in a large glass it stirs and rises slowly and assuredly in a towering display of ginger, fig, even tangelo and white cherries. Glimmers of anise, brioche and almond tell the story of 11 years in the cellar, accented with a wisp of grilled-bread reduction. Its structure is a revelation, with very fine, salty chalk minerality integrating softly, then rising on the finish to mouth-embracing mineral texture that personifies Le Mesnil. The characteristic poise of Salon triumphs, somehow, surprisingly yet marvellously, delivering authoritative control with light-footed restraint and delicacy. (2016-2017)"
97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "...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. Drink: 2016-2036. (Jun 2016)"
97 points Wine Spectator: "There’s vibrancy and a sense of finesse to this rich and creamy Champagne. Defined by racy acidity and a streak of chalky minerality, this 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. Offers a racy, persistent finish. Drink now through 2030. (11/15/15)"
19.5/20 points Jancis Robinson
Product SKU | 319851 |
Producer | Salon |
Country | France |
Region | Champagne |
Varietal | Champagne / Sparkling Blend |
Designation | Brut|Blanc de Blancs |
Vintage | 2002 |
Size | 750ml |
Color | White |
Blend | 100% Chardonnay |
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