97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2002 Salon is in an ideal spot for drinking now. What a wine. The 2002 captures all the natural radiance of this benchmark vintage in its rich, sumptuous personality. All the elements are so well balanced. Apricot, yellow flowers, tropical fruit, menthol and spice are all amplified. It's a total stunner. Dosage is under 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: October 2023. 03/2024

96

Richard Juhlin

Richard Juhlin

Aha, you think! Only two points difference between the instantaneous point and the potential point. So a fast-maturing Salon. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you. It will take decades before the 97 points sit there. My high score today I am probably quite alone about because the champagne is really young. Over time, however, I have come to love when the silk sheet that caresses the tongue is in one place, the walnut oil in another, the salty minerals in another and the vivid apple blossom in another. Here is a young clarity that requires sharpening of the senses. The champagne is extremely reminiscent of my first sacred encounter with 1982 Salon. 03/2021

95

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

I sacrificed a bottle of the 2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil from my own cellar to fill this gap in The Wine Advocate database and was interested to see that the wine has evolved a little since I last encountered it a couple of years ago. Subtle aromas of brioche, iodine and walnuts now inflect its bouquet of ripe lemon, green apple and crushed chalk, and on the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and powerful, with a fine mousse and considerable depth and dimension, concluding with a delicately chalky finish. This is an unusually ripe, muscular vintage of Salon, and my own palate tends to favor the brighter, more incisive vintages such as the 2007 or the 1996 at its best, but this is nonetheless a superb blanc de blancs that's maturing a touch faster than I expected. 04/2019

100

James Suckling

James Suckling

One of the greatest modern Champagnes ever. The aromas are so seductive with brioche, apple tart, and flint underneath it all. Chalk and hints of metal shavings develop a minerally essence. It's full-bodied and yet tight in the center palate. The power and intensity is mesmerizing. It goes on for minutes. It's so enjoyable and intellectually stimulating to taste and it can go for decades ahead. A perfect Champagne in every way. Drink or hold. 07/2024