Champagne Salon – Le Mesnil Vintage 2012 – 1.5 Ltr. OWC
Champagne, France – 100% Chardonnay
A rare Blanc de Blancs of unparalleled precision and power
The 2012 edition of Champagne Salon is only the 43rd release in the house's 120-year history. This cuvée is produced exclusively in exceptional years and comes from the grand cru vineyards of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. After eight years of maturation on the yeasts and a dosage of 4 g/L, this champagne reveals an unprecedented depth and elegance.
Tasting notes
In the glass, the wine shows a brilliant, light golden color with green reflections and a fine mousse. The bouquet opens with aromas of white flowers, citrus zest and spring blossom, complemented by notes of brioche, Granny Smith apples and a hint of orange peel. On the palate, the wine is rich and long, with a perfect balance and a chalky, mouthwatering finish that bears the signature of Salon.
Food pairing
This champagne really comes into its own when paired with dishes such as a terrine of salmon and oysters in aspic, specialities from Champagne cuisine such as pig's trotters and veal sweetbreads, or foie gras croquettes.
Reviews & Awards
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99 points – Wine Enthusiast : "As always, this exceptional Champagne, released only in top years, shows its rare qualities. The balance between texture, acidity, intense ageing capacity and minerality is perfect. It is ready to drink, but that would be a shame, because this wine will age so well."
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98 points – James Suckling : "Starts tight, but opens with aromas of chalk, biscuit, lemon peel and jasmine, then apricot, tangerine peel, pastry and chamomile. Layered and refined with beautiful complexity." 98+ points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate : "Shows a blend of citrus oil, wet stones, freshly baked bread, white currants and oyster shell; full, deep and concentrated, with a tightly wrapped core of fruit, lively acidity and an elegant, precise mousse."
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97 points – Vinous (Antonio Galloni) : "The 2012 Salon is absolutely beautiful. It offers an enchanting mix of charisma and energy that seems to capture elements of some of its older siblings. The fruit expression is radiant and quite open, but without the tropical exuberance of the 2006."
Vinification & Maturation
The grapes were harvested by hand from selected plots in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, followed by eight years of maturation on the yeasts. The wine was disgorged in the spring of 2021 and has a dosage of 4 g/L.
Particulars
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Alcohol percentage : 12%
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Serving temperature : 13–15°C
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Size : 1.5 liter (Magnum) in original wooden box (OWC)
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Maturation potential : up to 2050 and beyond
Serving advice
Serve this champagne slightly chilled between 13–15°C in a Zalto Universal wine glass to fully appreciate its complexity and elegance.