Champagne Salon – Le Mesnil 2012
Côte des Blancs, France – 100% Chardonnay
A rare and iconic Blanc de Blancs
The Salon Le Mesnil 2012 is the 43rd release from the prestigious house of Salon, renowned for its exceptional Blanc de Blancs Champagnes. This cuvée is produced exclusively in excellent vintages and comes from the Grand Cru vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The 2012 vintage is praised for its ripeness, complexity and elegance, and is considered one of Salon's finest releases of the new millennium.
Tasting notes
In the glass, the wine shows a brilliant, light golden color with green reflections. The nose is expressive and refined, with aromas of white flowers, citrus zest and spring blossom, complemented by notes of brioche and a hint of spices. In the mouth, the champagne is full and concentrated, with a lively acidity and an elegant mousse. The finish is long and mineral, with a characteristic chalky structure.
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 beautifully. Drink from 2025."
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98 points – James Suckling : "This starts tight, but opens with aromas of chalk, biscuit, lemon peel and jasmine, developing into apricot, tangerine peel, pastry and chamomile. Dried apple and hints of mint, dried spice and juniper. It's layered and refined with beautiful complexity. Well-integrated mousse and acidity make it very approachable now. Evolving and building. Drink or keep."
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98+ points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate : "The 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil shows that Salon has rightly changed its mind about releasing this vintage. In my opinion, after the 2008, this is the best Salon produced this millennium."
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99 points – Yohan Castaing (Decanter) : "The 2012 Salon has a brilliant aromatic clarity and purity with seductive scents of white fruits, citrus zest and spring flowers, topped off with a touch of spice. With a little air, pastry notes emerge, adding to its complex yet elegant nose, which remains essentially citrusy in character. On the palate, it resonates with kinetic energy coursing through its crystalline and elongated structure, making this vintage Champagne seem somewhat atypical of Salon."
Food pairing
This champagne is an excellent accompaniment to refined seafood dishes such as langoustine tartare, scallops marinated in kombu or Daurenki imperial caviar. Also delicious with miso-glazed turbot with hollandaise sauce or veal with white asparagus and morels.
Particulars
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Only 43 releases since its founding in 1911
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Harvest year 2012: a challenging year with a warm August and September, resulting in ripe and concentrated grapes
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Maturation potential to 2050 and beyond
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Disgorged in March 2021 with a dosage of 6 g/L
Serving advice
Serve this champagne chilled (8–10°C) in a large glass to allow the complex aromas to fully develop. Decant if possible to allow the wine to breathe and reveal its full potential.