SALON Le Mesnil 2013

Salon 2013, the 44th vintage in its 120-year history, arrives with the defined silhouette of a Greek god, with long, lean muscles, molded to perfection, and ready to conquer hearts and palates. The 2013 stands out for its unparalleled size and does not go unnoticed among all the others. As it approaches, its features become more refined, its line and contours more defined and its beauty more appealing. This Proteus has needed ten years of preparation in the depths of the cellars to acquire the impressive physique and insolent beauty that define him.

SERVICE

Taste just cool between 13° and 15°.

AGING POTENTIAL

More than 15 years.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: In the glass, Salon Le Mesnil 2013 unfolds with a bright golden hue, clear and delicate, like the light that shines through in the early hours of the morning. The intensity of its color conveys a feeling of purity and freshness. Its bubbles are fine and elegant, ascending in a constant, almost hypnotic rosary, reflecting the exceptional quality of the fermentation. As the wine breathes, its luminosity remains intact, inviting you to discover more of its complexity.

NOSE: On the nose, this champagne offers a clean and vibrant first impression, marked by a remarkable mineral freshness. It is like a walk through a garden of white flowers at dawn, with notes of acacia, orange blossom and a subtle hint of nutmeg. The freshness of citrus—mainly lemon and a slight aftertaste of grapefruit—is in the foreground, unfolding with great vivacity. Following this citrusy opening, more complex aromas are added, such as lightly toasted almond, freshly baked brioche bread and a suggestion of fresh butter reminiscent of a soft texture. As it is oxygenated, notes of fine herbs and a slight mineral touch of plaster emerge, providing a sense of depth and character. The nose is elegant, complex, and each inhalation reveals a new layer that invites reflection.

TASTE: On tasting, the Salon Le Mesnil 2013 displays precise and vibrant acidity, which acts as the guiding thread of its structure. It is dry and with an imposing freshness, which is combined with an almost creamy but incredibly refined texture. On the palate, the attack is clean and direct, allowing the flavors to evolve in a perfect flow. The citrus fruits are integrated with a light sensation of green apple and a hint of almond that provides complexity. The minerality of the calcareous soil of Le Mesnil is present with elegance, adding a touch of salinity and freshness to the overall profile. As the wine settles on the palate, subtle layers of acacia honey and a light creaminess emerge, enveloping the flavour. The finish is long, impressive and fresh, with an aftertaste marked by limestone and a delicate touch of orange peel that lengthens the experience on the palate, leaving a mineral echo that lingers. This Champagne displays extraordinary structure and balance, suggesting a remarkable capacity for ageing and evolution in the bottle.

PAIRING

We can only recommend Salon 2013 at the table to bring out its full potential. Appreciate its minerality with a touch of iodine with a salmon terrine with oysters in jelly, see how it responds with pride to Champagne's specialty of pig's trotters with sweetbreads, and taste its round and soft texture when paired with a foie gras croquette.