Salon Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Le Mesnil 2002

100 points Johan Castaing (Decanter): "An almost ideal growing season with no periods of extreme weather, ending with a cool but sunny September... The very classy nose has a mineral-infused character underlying its spicy, floral scents. This Salon has the power to be long-lived and the freshness and vivacity to be already enjoyable, but also to be an ideal companion for a gastronomic meal. Perfection. Drinking Window: 2020-2040. (Jan 2020)"

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)"

100 points James Suckling: "One of the greatest modern Champagnes ever. The aromas are so seductive with brioche, apple tart, and flint underneath it all. Chalk and hints of metal shavings develop a minerally essence. It's full-bodied and yet tight in the center palate. The power and intensity is mesmerizing. It goes on for minutes. It's so enjoyable and intellectually stimulating to taste and it can go for decades ahead. A perfect Champagne in every way. Drink or hold. (7/18/24)"

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)"

98 points Falstaff: "Pale yellow green, silver reflections, very fine, lively and persistent mousse. A hint of lime oil, orange blossom, fresh yellow pear fruit, white apple, a hint of red pepper, some almonds and cookie, very broad, mineral-accented bouquet. FFull-bodied, complex and taut, fine nuances of pomaceous fruit but also baked goods, driven by a very fresh and precise acidity compared to the warm vintage, salty and delicate with enormous length and a corresponding future. Served from the magnum, which underlined the youthful character of this exceptional Champagne. 60,000 bottles of this individual wine were produced. Drink to 2045. (Dec 2022)"

98 points (19/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The finesse of the 2002 (released in April 2004) is exemplary. The initial nose is noble, with notes of sweet butter, lemon, and cream, followed by honeysuckle and fresh hay; it is elegantly mature and restrained. At this stage, the palate is all about architecture and structure, impressively powerful and restrained; the concentrated flavor is focused on vegetal bitterness without any harshness (fresh hazelnut skin). It will become more complex over the next fifty years. Reminiscent of 1982. (Jan 2016)"

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