Salon Cuvee S Les Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 1997 & 1990

Salon is an iconic Champagne producer I have enjoyed drinking ever since I became a wine critic. Their pure chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs, shows phenomenal depth of fruit and with age takes on a grand cru white Burgundy character. I tasted these two vintages of Salon in Hong Kong with a few friends.

1997 Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs: This is phenomenal with mineral, sliced apple and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. It's full-bodied and so refined. Racy and intense. So youthful and long. Like a great and fresh Batard-Montrachet. Long life to go. 97 points

1990 Salon Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs: This vintage is dense and reminds me of white truffles. Plus, there are bread dough and ripe fruit undertones. It's full-bodied, rich and layered. Fabulous. Seems to grow in density with air. At its peak now. 98 points