Winemaker Notes
The 37th and last vintage of the 20th century. A very pale yellow with barely green hints and a lively but discreet nose, the 1999 Salon has a youthful grace that captures the palate, firm and textured. Brioche, white bread, white blossom, white fruit and bitter almond flavors are still developing. The middle palate is crystalline and it has a lingering finish with hints of citrus.
Delicacies to accompany the 1999 Salon: warm oysters and caviar, a lightly cooked sea bass with a truffle risotto, or sweetbreads with morel mushrooms. An excellent Parma or Iberico ham, a well-aged Parmesan cheese, or simply by itself with grilled almonds.
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Salon is a unique Champagne. All the emphasis in the production of this exceptional wine is on the singular. It was originally the product of one single man, Aimé Salon; from one single region, the Côte de Blancs; from one single cru, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; from one single grape variety, Chardonnay; and from one single vintage, with no blending whatsoever. Created in 1911 with its first vintage in 1905, Champagne Salon is the creation of Aimé Salon, a champagne connoisseur enchanted then seduced by the terroir of Le Mesnil. After World War I, he was encouraged by his numerous friends to profit more fully from his wine and the house of Salon was created to cater to his new clientele. Headed by Salon until his death in 1943, the house was then left to his nephew. In 1988, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, a family-owned company, became the majority shareholder of Champagne Salon. Today, the house of Salon, along with its ancient neighbor and sister, Champagne Delamotte (the 5th oldest Champagne house, founded in 1760) are directed by one man, Didier Depond.