1995 Salon Blanc de Blancs Champagne

96 points and a Collectibles designation from the Wine Spectator: "This is assertive and grainy in texture, a big-boned Champagne that's powerful and intensely flavored. Biscuit, graphite, honeysuckle, peach and floral notes come together, defined by the firm structure, and last through the complex finish. Needs a little more time for the elements to harmonize. Drink now through 2018. " (12/05) K&L's notes - Salon is one of the great names in Champagne for a very good reason. It is made only in great vintages (the decade of the eighties only produced '82,'83,'85 and '88) and only from grapes from one village, the grand cru of Mesnil. This village grows the most sought after Chardonnay in Champagne. Half of the vineyards that make the wine are owned by Salon outright, and the other half come from farmers that Salon has been working with for generations. The vines average 40 years of age. Salon suppresses malolactic fermentation for maximum freshness and longevity- an iconoclastic move for a Cote de Blanc producer. The production hovers around 8,000 six-bottle cases, so the wine is always hard to come by but very worth seeking out! The 1995 is another success for Salon. It is softer than the 1990 and it will provide great drinking pleasure now and last for another 15 or more years. Classic Salon aromas of white flowers and toast are followed by flavors of apple and chiseled minerality. The wine is complete and elegant as always! (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne & Sherry Buyer)