Salon Cuvee 'S' Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut 2013 Magnum

99 Points - Vinous

The 2013 Salon is a huge wine. Dense and explosive, the 2013 possesses almost shocking textural richness for a young Salon. If offers a perfect example of the vintage in the Côtes des Blancs, a year in which ripeness and acids were both elevated. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, mint and white pepper explode onto the palate. Bright saline notes pull it all back together on the finish.

98 Points - Burghound

The brilliant nose, at once fresh, bright and complex, is even more beguiling than that of the 2012, which is already reference standard for anyone who loves blanc de blancs Champagne. Moreover, it is more expressive than I anticipated with its array of green apple, baked bread, just sliced citrus, quinine and a hint of Chablis-like iodine. The racy yet delicate mouthfeel of the lilting middle weight flavors that is enhanced by the super-fine, if decidedly firm, mousse before terminating in an already complex, harmonious and very dry yet not especially austere finale that goes on and on. Among many attributes to choose from, perhaps my favorite is the underlying sense of poise the '13 Salon exudes as it's classy as hell but not inaccessible; otherwise expressed, this is seriously good but borderline gulpable. In short, I was knocked out by this monument in the making and it's entirely possible that my rating will one day be found to be overly conservative. As longtime readers know, Burghound doesn't hand out point ratings like they're candy

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

A vintage that’s not widely recognized following the 2012 vintage, the 2013 Champagne Blanc De Blancs Salon Brut pours a bright yellow/silver hue and opens in the glass to forward notes of chalky earth, ripe tangerine, and white pepper. Ripe on the palate, it is powerful upfront, with a long finish and fresh acidity. It displays a nice balance of creamy texture and mousse, with mouthwatering acidity, and like most vintages of Salon, it’s going to take time. Its texture is salty and crunchy, and the wine is very well-balanced, with a touch of warmth on the finish. Compared to the 2012, it has a slightly more rounded feel and warmth but retains great Mesnil character. Dosage was 5 grams per liter