(214) 350-8989 • pogos@pogoswine.com
Producer | Salon |
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Country | France |
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Region | Champagne |
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Subregion | Cote de Blancs |
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Varietal | Chardonnay |
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Vintage | 2013 |
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Sku | 210000020485 |
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Size | 750ml |
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The 2013 is the most powerful, dense young Salon I have ever tasted. Champagne of mind-bending complexity, the 2013 possesses tremendous midpalate intensity and power from the very first taste. Lemon confit, dried flowers, mint and a touch of brioche appear first, followed by light tropical accents that add an exotic flair. Imagine the sizzling energy of the 2008 and the persistence of 2004, with more mid-palate richness and riper fruit. Twothousand thirteen was a cool, late ripening year. Harvest started at the beginning of October under sunny, dry days and cool nights, conditions that have not been seen since then. Readers will find a spectacular, modern Salon endowed with tremendous depth and very little of the youthful austerity that once defined Champagnes from cooler years here. The 5.5 grams per liter of dosage is perfectly judged. In a word: Magnificent.
A vintage that’s not widely recognized following the 2012 vintage, the 2013 Champagne Blanc De Blancs Salon Brut pours a bright yellow/silver hue and opens in the glass to forward notes of chalky earth, ripe tangerine, and white pepper. Ripe on the palate, it is powerful upfront, with a long finish and fresh acidity. It displays a nice balance of creamy texture and mousse, with mouthwatering acidity, and like most vintages of Salon, it’s going to take time. Its texture is salty and crunchy, and the wine is very well-balanced, with a touch of warmth on the finish. Compared to the 2012, it has a slightly more rounded feel and warmth but retains great Mesnil character. Dosage was 5 grams per liter. 60,000 bottles were produced.
Beautiful and expressive nose of waxed lemons, chamomile, hazelnuts, sourdough, mango stones and hints of orange curd. It's linear and laser-sharp, with an elegant balance of minerality and touches of ripe yellow fruit, all held together by lively acidity and tiny bubbles. Sophisticated. Evolves to a dry chalkiness at the end. Long, textured finish. Disgorged end of 2022. Drink or hold.
2013 is a cool, late-ripening vintage in Champagne, defined by an October harvest in cool but sunny conditions. With a dosage of 5.5 grams per liter, the 2013 Brut Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil possesses a complex, fruity bouquet mingling aromas of orchard fruit with notions of lemon oil, exotic fruits, spring flowers, almond and hints of menthol and buttery pastry. Full-bodied, rich and dense, with lively acids, it’s more complex and incisive than the 2002 and exhibits similar power to the 2012 at this early stage. Despite what was a challenging growing season for some producers, this is a superb Salon with a long, resonant finish.
The first impression upon release in September 2023 is of surprisingly open, welcoming fragrance for young Salon; orange cream, floral honey and lemon peel, backed up with delicate browned pastry, milky oyster and nut oil complexity that speaks of the long lees ageing. It is taut rather than austere, with a delicate, even level of flesh on its rigid bones as the classic chalky marine squeeze of Le Mesnil takes hold and propels a long, detailed lemon peel finish. This could prove a classic Salon given considerable patience.
A graceful Champagne, with pleasing plushness to the finely detailed mousse, revealing a delicate honeyed overtone to the notes of apricot tart, lemon curd, white blossoms and smoked almond. Shows a rich, underlying streak of chalky minerality that emerges to drive the lacy finish. Drink now through 2038.