I can see why the '97 Salon is considered the best wine of the vintage. The '97 Jacquesson Millenaire is no slouch either. We also compared the '98 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee in magnum and regular format (I preferred the freshness of the magnum), and tasted other fine samples from H. Billiot, Chartogne-Taillet and Ulysse Collin.
Great notes as usual. I’m curious about the Billiot Rose as I own a number of bottles. Any idea what the disgorgement on this bottle was? The reason I ask is that I have some 2007/2008 disgorgements that are more pale orange and some recent disgorgments, 2009 are markedly more vibrant pink/orange.
What are some notes on the 2009 disgorgements of the Billiot Rose? The '09 disgorgement of the BdB is the best NV Champagne (under $100) I’ve ever had, by a long shot.
Would have to check other bottles in my locker for the disgorgement date on the Billiot Rose, but it was not 2009. As far as the NorCal women who are foodies and wine lovers, they range from blonde, brunette, redhead, to jet black, but they’re all gorgeous.
Hey, some of us were shipped in from SoCal (altho like Paul Masson and Ridge, I’m Saratoga born and bred!)
The comparison of the '98 Vilmart from 750 and Mag was definitely one of the highlights of the day. The big format was singing. And who’s going to complain when ANY Salon gets thrown into the mix. Thanks Richard for putting us all together and I’m so glad I finally got to try that Rhys. VERY nice glass of juice!
I completely agree the 97 Salon is a top wine for the vintage (not my favorite 97, but one of the few that really excel in the vintage). My issue with it is still the price. It makes no sense that I still often see this for more than the 96.
I agree on the 97 Salon comment, but the problem is that the winery sold through at a higher price and everyone else in the chain saw gold and wanted to get a bigger piece too. The end result is a great wine that doesn’t sell. Discounting has started, but will likely have to continue to go lower.
My favorite 97 is Vilmart’s Cuvee Creation (now available in a late disgorged Magnum for the first time ever). Big and slutty on release, but now gaining in complexity and a touch of elegance (at least for a Vilmart Creation). A really nice wine.
I don’t see Salon as being greedy for trying to raise their price. I suspect they didn’t realize the quantity of 1996 which was bought by speculators and by enthusiasts who wanted to own the 96 vintage. 97 Salon is not worth buying at these prices, but then I wouldn’t touch it at $150.
I don’t know what is happening with the Creation grapes, but when I tasted there two months ago I got the impression that Cuvee was not a real focus any more for the House. Drank some mighty fine bottles of Couer and it is delicious.
I don’t blame Salon for raising the price of the 97 and they really didn’t have trouble selling it. The issue is with it sitting around now on the importer/distributor/store end. I would never fault anyone for getting what they can, but as a whole, I think the 97’s suggested retail price was a bit of a stretch even in a good economy.
Vilmart’s Creation grapes are now being used in the NV Grand Cellier and vintaged Grand Cellier d’Or.
I don’t blame them, but its still greed. Id much rather take my chances with the 96 that’s still available for the same or a cheaper price. I have a feeling there will be a lot of 97 sitting on the shelves for a long time.
That’s nice to hear that Vilmart seems to be concentrating on elevating the overall quality of their lower end wines with the cuvee creation grapes.
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