TN: 1997 Salon Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs

WINE TALK
1
  • 1997 Salon Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne (11/22/2010)
    Wow. Just ridiculous. Amazingly complex, but entirely in balance. Marigold yellow in color, fine mousse. Lemon rind and yeast on the nose, not particularly strong bouquet at first, though. Crisp, fresh acidity. A burst of fruit followed by something more creamy, like creme brulee on the mid-palate. Finishes towards the mineral side and lasts for at least 30 seconds. We’re hooked. (95 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

NOTE: This was the bottle from the discussion on travel shock over in this thread.

2

I know I’m in a minority, and it’s heretical to say, but I much prefer this to the 1996. It is easily one of my favorite Champagnes. And even though the pricing is a bit crazy, I think it is worth every penny.

3

The 97 does have a tendency to get overlooked a bit. A positively delightful and fantastic Champagne.

4

I was talking with someone who works at Salon and he was of the same opinion, the 1997 was a better Champagne than the 1996. I will say that the 1997 was brought to market at a ridiculous price. I think prices have come down quite a bit to make purchase a bit more palettable.

5

I haven’t had the pleasure of tasting the '96 yet, but you can add the sommelier at Central in DC to the list of people who prefer the '97.

6

I love the '97 for drinking now but after trying it several times, I don’t think it’s one to bury in the cellar.

7

Since I don’t own any 96 I might be tempted to buy some of the 97 based on these notes.

I wonder what Ray and Brad have to say?