The product image is for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the actual characteristics of the wine. Maison Salon Champagne le Mesnil Gift Box 1996 75clAOC Grand Cru | Côte des Blancs | Champagne | FranceSold outSize 75 clAll vintages 1990 1996 1999 2002 2006 2007 2015 Critics scores 97 Robert ParkerThis bottle of the 1996 Salon is like every other bottle I have had recently, which is to say tight, tight, tight. Still, this painfully unevolved, mineral-driven wine shows tons of potential in its floral, white fruits. In a recent tasting of the 1979 Champagnes, the Salon was one of the finest wines, but it needed several hours of air to open up. Although the 1996 is pure magic in a glass, it remains a wine for the exceedingly patient.95 Wine SpectatorA deep, vinous style, with understated power and grace. The lemon verbena, toast and honey aromas and flavors are propelled by the well-integrated structure and fine bubbles. There's just a hint of greenness, marking its youthful impetuosity. Has great length. Best from 2010 through 2030. 840 cases imported. –BS . Producer Maison SalonThe history of Salon is unique in Champagne. Unsatisfied with the existing champagnes, in 1911 Eugene-Aimé Salon started to produce his own from the exceptional Mesnil terroir. He worked hard to create the champagne of his dreams: an unprecedented Blanc de Blancs. One word is enough to qualify this champagne: unique! It is produced from a single terroir - the Côte des Blancs, from a single cru - the Mesnil-sur-Oger, from a single grape variety - Chardonnay, and from a single vintage. Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger brings great refinement, freshness, complexity and ageing ability to the wine, even after long years spent in the cellar.