Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil-sur-Oger 1999

"Essential Salon: A pure evocation of chardonnay in limestone, a powerful and profound Champagne. “Fuck yes,” said one visiting sommelier from Los Angeles. As for me, I love this wine. Its freshness is astonishing, tasting like fruit that was just picked, yet it somehow has the wisdom and harmony that comes with time. There’s a modulation to the flavors as they rise from limestone, dive into fresh cream and rise again in savory richness. Though other ’99s may not reach this level, the wine makes a stunning argument for its terroir. If you want to identify great Salon in the future, remember the scent of this glass."

97 Points

Wine & Spirits

"There's a streak of minerality and a lacy texture to this floral Champagne, with finely tuned acidity to focus the candied lemon zest, poached pear, nutmeg and ginger hints. A more delicate style, but seamless in its balance and finesse, with a subtle finish. Drink now through 2024. 5,000 cases made."

94 Points

Wine Spectator

"The 1999 Brut Blanc de Blancs is impenetrable. This is a massive, full-bodied Salon that totally saturates the palate with fruit. Neither as austere or pointed as the 1996, nor as open as the 1997, instead the 1999 comes across as big, rich and powerful. There is little in the way of flavor or aromatic development, and it may be some time before any real complexity develops in bottle. Today it looks like the wine’s best days are well off into the future. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039.
Range: 92-94"

94 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Bright yellow-gold. Deeply pitched, pungent aromas of candied lemon, pear skin, anise, buttered toast and smoky lees, with notes of ginger and white flowers adding lift. Densely packed yet vibrant, showing impressive power and clarity to its mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Expands on the finish but maintains its focus, picking up iodine and bitter lime notes that linger impressively. A more vibrant rendition of Salon than the 1997 version, but with a bit less concentration than the 1996. This should be a slow ager."

94 Points

International Wine Cellar