Champagner Le Mesnil Salon Cuvée S 2002 in OHK

97 / 100 Wine Spectator
There's vibrancy and a sense of finesse to this rich and creamy Champagne, which is defined by racy acidity and a streak of chalky minerality. Offers an expansive palate of glazed apricot, oyster shell, toasted almond and spun honey flavors, accented by hints of ground ginger, dried lemon peel and marzipan. The finish is racy and persistent. Drink now through 2030. 5,650 cases made.
http://www.winespectator.com/wine/detail/source/search/note_id/39925117.5 / 20 Jancis Robinson
Disgorged June 2014. RS 7 g/l. Supplied by Salon's UK agent, Corney & Barrow. Tasted blind. Very pale. Seems dense, and layered, with some real intensity. Racy. Very appetising. But slightly astringent on the end. Bottle variation. Not ‘ravishing’, as promised by the Salon literature.
http://www.jancisrobinson.com/tastings/search?keywords=salon%202002&query_field=title_t-country_t-regions_txt&perpage=2096 / 100 Allen Meadow
As I commented the last time I reviewed this from 750 ml, I was mystified by the (relatively) poor showing as Salon is almost always excellent and often genuinely great. This example, though I underscore that this review is from magnum rather than 750 ml, displayed a quality and character that were literally worthy of being described as a night and day difference. So, the review from magnum format is: A cool and pure nose features notes of citrus, in particular lemon rind, along with plenty of yeast, green apple, floral and iodine elements. The refined and intense middle weight flavors are shaped by an ultra-fine mousse that contributes to the sense of subtlety and finesse, all wrapped in a fantastically long and deep finish. Moreover, this is absolutely nowhere near being ready as the '02 version of Salon is going to age for years, indeed my 2022+ estimate may very well be 5 years too early. Either way, this is an estimable vintage for one of my favorite wines.