1997 Salon - Le Mesnil Cuvee S Chardonnay - France - Champagne - White - Grand Cru

(SRP $500, 100% chardonnay from vines over 40 years of age) An elegant and very fresh but distinctly yeasty nose of stupendous breadth leads to incredibly intense, pure, detailed and vibrant flavors that possess superb depth and simply knockout length. This is a powerful Salon and even though it doesn't have the solid acid spine of the very best vintages, this compensates by its approachability and terrific mouth feel. This could be drunk now or aged, depending on one's preference. If you can find it, I would lay in a case and drink it selectively over the next 20 years.

The 1997 Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil possesses striking detail and depth in a surprisingly generous style for this wine. An inner core of perfumed varietal fruit emerges from the glass, along with expressive aromas of smoke, minerals, mint, flowers and licorice, all of which are woven together with extraordinary elegance. The finish is long, sweet and sublime. Everything about this wine speaks to elegance, but in 1997 Salon is also a pleasure to drink young, unlike the 1996 which remains painfully backward.

One of the most eminent wines from 97. This wine is fantastically caressing and silky with a springlike, seductive grace. The sublime aroma breathes of lime blossom, lime and a hint of brioche. The flavour is lighter and more directly accessible than usual, but at the same time tremendously refined and crystal clear. A much better choice than the 96 for many years to come. I tasted the first bottle in a very unusual place with Didier Depond. At Ferrari in Maranella!

Subtle ginger, floral and citrus aromas build to flavors of lemon pie, honey and hazelnut. Elegant and refined, with a firm underlying structure and a long aftertaste. 1,667 cases imported.