Tasting Notes
Vinous 96
The 1997 Salon, tasted from the 2019 disgorgement, is fabulous. Scents of marzipan, honey, apricot jam, tangerine, spice and brioche open first, followed by touches of reduction from extended time on the lees. The 1997 is in some ways mature, and yet the recent disgorgement brings so much freshness. Today, the 1997 is peaking. It is an understated, beautifully layered Champagne to savor over the next decade or so, maybe longer.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2038
JancisRobinson.com 18
Didier Depond’s first vintage in charge. Buttery, open-knit, creamy palate with some hints of oxidative fruit on the finish giving a bruised citrus note – I’m not sure this will last for decades more. For now though, it is wonderfully poised and savoury with an earthy complexity on the length. (RH)
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020
Robert Parker 95
Salon’s 1997 Brut Blanc de Blancs is drop-dead gorgeous. There is a beautiful tension between the intense minerality of Mesnil and the warmth of the vintage. Textural depth, brilliance and expressive inner perfume are the hallmarks of this gorgeous Blanc de Blancs. Flowers, mint and crisp varietal fruit linger on the impeccable finish. This is a particularly youthful, vibrant disgorgement of the 1997 that can be enjoyed now or cellared. Disgorged First Trimester, 2010 Anticipated maturity: 2012-2027.
Anticipated maturity: 2012-2027
