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.
This Champagne is produced from a one-hectare parcel owned by Salon: “Salon’s garden”, and from 19 other smaller parcels in Mesnil-sur-Oger, chosen by Aimé Salon at the beginning of the century.
The wines are cellared in the bottle for an average of 10 years, gaining in complexity and finesse.
97 Points Antonio Galloni
After the lacklustre 1990, things get back on track quickly with the 1988 Salon, a wine that is absolutely peaking today. From one of the all-time great vintages in Champagne, the 1988 Salon exudes power and explosive intensity, with superb balance and pulsating acidity that gives the wine its drive. A host of candied lemon peel, hazelnut, smoke, licorice and anise overtones meld into the super-expressive finish. Disgorged à la volée, with no dosage.
96 Points Wine Spectator
A laser beam. Beautifully focused, intense and densely flavoured with lime, honey and chanterelles in butter. So rich it’s almost too much, but the vibrant acidity keeps everything in check and driving through the long finish.
18/20 Jancis Robinson
Pale gold. Very hard to describe this aroma. A little honeyed and bready but also with a more oxidative butterscotch quality without the sweetness that suggests. So vibrant on the palate, a little hint of ginger and bitter orange. Fabulous balance between intense and refined purity and then that depth and length, very very long.