Champagne Salon 1997
Salon is defined by its absolute singularity: a single grape varietal, Chardonnay; a single terroir, the Côte des Blancs; a single cru, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and a single year, that of its vintage. Every vintage - only the greatest years can be declared a vintage - is different from any other. Every Salon year incarnates a perfect dream, respecting nature and the earth. Salon 1997 is pearlescent. A pale, lustrous gold with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex yet ethereal. Wonderfully refined, it is intriguing and enticing. Its minerality complemented by hints of white flowers, acacia and hawthorn. A salty note enhances aromas of bread crust, brioche and the merest hint of green apple and hazelnut. The palate is quintessentially pure, the very epitomy of balance and restraint. Exuberant on attack the mousse becomes more of a caress whilst bubbles dance playfully on the palate; its delicate allure emulating the sensuous grace of a silk veil at dawn. Mastery character, elegance and bright vitality - complex indeed. Salon 1997: It is difficult to encapsulate where so many complementary and contradictory elements come together in such harmony. The finesse of silk, persistence, innate depth and power are allied to a lightness of touch. Serve slightly chilled between 13° and 15°C and its true subtlety will be revealed feminine and seductive, voluptuousness without bounds.
