The 2013 Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil is a Champagne blend from the renowned region of Champagne, France. Produced by Salon, this white wine exhibits a notable 12.0% alcohol content and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. This vintage is characterized by its later and slower ripening, resulting in a refined and elegant wine.
The Wine Independent awarded it a near-perfect score of 98, describing it as "an exquisite le Mesnil-sur-Oger Blanc de Blancs from a later, and slower ripening vintage." The wine spent ten years aging on fine lees and was disgorged in January 2023 with a dosage of six grams per liter. The review highlights its "pure, aromatic luminescence" with flavors such as "warm tarte tatin, crème brulée, citrus confit, lemon sorbet, crushed oyster shells, and viburnum blossom." It is noted for its medium-bodied, mineral-driven palate and "incredibly long finish."
Decanter also praised the 2013 Salon, giving it a score of 97. This review emphasized its "surprisingly open, welcoming fragrance for young Salon," with notes of "orange cream, floral honey, lemon peel, and delicate browned pastry." The wine's "chalky marine squeeze of Le Mesnil" and its potential to become a classic with time are also highlighted, suggesting it will peak between 2033 and 2060.
Vinous gave the highest praise with a score of 99, describing the 2013 Salon as a "huge wine" with "almost shocking textural richness." Antonio Galloni of Vinous noted flavors of "lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, mint, and white pepper," while commending its bright, saline finish. The dosage here is slightly lower at 4.5 grams per liter.
James Suckling awarded it a 97, noting the "beautiful and expressive nose" with elements of "waxed lemons, chamomile, hazelnuts, sourdough, mango stones, and hints of orange curd." He praised its "elegant balance of minerality and touches of ripe yellow fruit," and its "long, textured finish."
Wine Spectator's review gave it a score of 95, describing it as a "graceful Champagne" with "pleasing plushness" and "delicate honeyed overtone" paired with flavors of "apricot tart, lemon curd, white blossoms, and smoked almond." The review also mentions the wine’s "rich, underlying streak of chalky minerality."
Lastly, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated it 97, mentioning the cool, late-ripening vintage and the October harvest. YC described it as possessing a "complex, fruity bouquet" with aromas of "orchard fruit, lemon oil, exotic fruits, spring flowers, almond, and hints of menthol and buttery pastry." The review commended its full-bodied, rich, and dense nature, with a dosage of 5.5 grams per liter and a long, resonant finish.
Overall, the 2013 Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil is a highly acclaimed Champagne, characterized by its elegance, complexity, and exceptional aging potential.