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Salon 'S' Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut Chardonnay 2004
98 points - rare release Extremely limited opportunity on one of the most sought-after Champagnes in the world. 98 Points James Suckling: "2004 Salon weaves together immense complexity with stunning purity and makes instant impact on the nose with fresh-baked pastry and brioche, chalky minerals, fresh white mushroom, cucumber, lemon curd and striking lemon and lime citrus fruits. The palate has an almost smoky mineral thread, toasty autolytic flavors build and expand through the mid-palate, opening to grapefruit and ripe white peach flavours, lemon sorbet and very lightly grilled hazelnuts to close. This is an impressively layered Blanc de Blancs in which bright acidity supports the flavorsome, concentrated and fleshy texture in seamless balance. A great Salon, very composed and complex in every respect, a classically styled vintage in which this legendary Champagne has excelled. It will be a fascinatingly complex Champagne with further age. Drink now and for 10+ years." 97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2004 Salon has been superb each time I have tasted it over the last year or so. Bright, tense and crystalline, with all of the energy that is typical of both Salon and the vintage in the Côte des Blancs, the 2004 bristles with superb precision and cool, pulsating minerality. The 2004 spent a dozen years on its lees. Over the last six months or so, it has gradually begun to open up, but it is very much a wine for the cellar. Two thousand four is remembered as a vintage with record high yields. Salon (and Delamotte) did a terrific job in keeping the vines well balanced. Production was just 46,000 bottles, as opposed to the 60,000 or so that is more typical. Chef de Caves Michel Fauconnet opted for a low dosage of just 4 grams per liter. This is a tremendous showing." Only 62,000 bottles of this, the 40th vintage of Salon's Blanc de Blancs were made. This exceptional vintage bottling comes from a one-hectare parcel owned by Salon called "Salon's garden," along with 19 other smaller parcels in Mesnil-sur-Oger that were chosen by Aimé Salon back at the beginning of the 20th century. It was cellared in bottle for at least 10 years.
Ratings on Delectable
Sipping Fine Wine 
Pale straw lemon color with frothy mousse and lively bead of bubbles, produced only in exceptional vintages, grapes from grand cru vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. A complex nose of fresh fruit with yeast, nutty notes and floral scents. On the palate flavors of peach, berry and citrus flavors, floral with biscuit tones. Great balance with acidity, delicate textures, long finish ending creamy with toasty smoky oak and chalky mineral character. Very Nice! Tasting Sample!
Pale straw lemon color with frothy mousse and lively bead of bubbles, produced only in exceptional vintages, grapes from grand cru vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. A complex nose of fresh fruit with yeast, nutty notes and floral scents. On the palate flavors of peach, berry and citrus flavors, floral with biscuit tones. Great balance with acidity, delicate textures, long finish ending creamy with toasty smoky oak and chalky mineral character. Very Nice! Tasting Sample!
10
Lee Pitofsky
This is probably the youngest vintage I’d drink Salon as they age at a snails pace. Much more to offer at this point than 06 and 07. Swirls in a Burgundy glass reveal its amazing purity, intense minerality, chiseled palate and an incredible sense of place. It’s elegant and concentrated with a stunning texture and mouthfeel, offering plenty to be enjoyable now, but many many years ahead.
This is probably the youngest vintage I’d drink Salon as they age at a snails pace. Much more to offer at this point than 06 and 07. Swirls in a Burgundy glass reveal its amazing purity, intense minerality, chiseled palate and an incredible sense of place. It’s elegant and concentrated with a stunning texture and mouthfeel, offering plenty to be enjoyable now, but many many years ahead.
9.6
Weijie Shi (Jay)
Young young young
Young young young
9.2
Shay A
An absolutely stunning lunch from @joe leatherwood today. 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 5 reds and 1 dessert wine. All served blind. What a total treat. My second glass of this was very different from the first glass. At first, I was getting a lot of honeyed tropical fruits with a good bit of yeast, but then it was more bright, and had caramelized Granny Smith apple notes and classic chalky limestone. This is right down the middle in terms of reductive vs oxidative. I wish I could have enjoyed this all on its own to give it the attention it deserved. I guessed this was ‘06 Le Mesnil.
An absolutely stunning lunch from @joe leatherwood today. 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 5 reds and 1 dessert wine. All served blind. What a total treat. My second glass of this was very different from the first glass. At first, I was getting a lot of honeyed tropical fruits with a good bit of yeast, but then it was more bright, and had caramelized Granny Smith apple notes and classic chalky limestone. This is right down the middle in terms of reductive vs oxidative. I wish I could have enjoyed this all on its own to give it the attention it deserved. I guessed this was ‘06 Le Mesnil.
9.6
Shawn R
I think this was the fourth bottle we sabered during the evening. So fresh and clean. I got tart pineapple and grilled nuts from both the nose and palate. Wanted to try this for sometime, thanks @Mike R
I think this was the fourth bottle we sabered during the evening. So fresh and clean. I got tart pineapple and grilled nuts from both the nose and palate. Wanted to try this for sometime, thanks @Mike R
9.5
Bill Bender
A deep pull by @Mike R and a profound treat. Darker in the glass than expected. Noticeable depth and power accompanied by honeyed toast points, advanced yellow pear and a really round and inviting mouthfeel.
A deep pull by @Mike R and a profound treat. Darker in the glass than expected. Noticeable depth and power accompanied by honeyed toast points, advanced yellow pear and a really round and inviting mouthfeel.
9.4
Seth Morgen Long
Broker • Arterberry Maresh / Winemaker • Morgen Long
Chalk full of energy. Love the purity and vibrancy of Salon. This is just a baby, and will only get better.
Chalk full of energy. Love the purity and vibrancy of Salon. This is just a baby, and will only get better.
9.5
Connor McMahon
I asked my wife what wine she wanted at the hospital for our first.... You see her answer! From last Friday 7/20/18. Welcome to the world Maeve
I asked my wife what wine she wanted at the hospital for our first.... You see her answer! From last Friday 7/20/18. Welcome to the world Maeve
10Chris Morgan
Sommelier The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Magnum!
Magnum!
9.4Nathaniel DiMaggio
Delicious! Everything a great Champagne should be....
Delicious! Everything a great Champagne should be....
9.0
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