97 point

The 2015 Salon is exquisite. Bright and focused, the 2015 captures a gorgeous stylsitic middle ground between the riper and cooler years. The flavor profile leans towards the more citrus, floral and mineral-driven end of the spectrum typical of cooler years, and yet the wine is also wonderfully open-knit and accessible, with no hard edges and the textural balance that is more common in warmer years. It's a duality that works extremely well. There is a savory undertone typical of the year, but it is a strand in the fabric rather than a dominant characteristic. I left a bottle open for more than a week, during which I observed virtually no oxidation. The 2015 might not be as overtly impressive as some recent years, rather it is a Champagne of cool sophistication and total polish. Unusually, the 2015 is being released ahead of the 2014.

97 point

Pouring a bright silver/yellow color, the 2015 Champagne Salon Brut is a bit shy on the nose at first but offers richness on the palate, with peppery spice and crystalline, satiny earth, white peach, quince, and a stone-fruit fleshiness to the texture, characteristic of a sunny vintage. Harvested in the first days of September, it’s medium-bodied and has a broader texture throughout the palate, maintaining the delicacy and finesse of the house. It has a muscular profile but remains tailored, with some phenolic touches and a fresh richness in texture and structure. It has a pinpoint mousse and a touch of frothiness on the finish, ending with a structured and dry finish. When revisited in the glass, it becomes more smoky, and it gains in intensity as it opens. While it currently shows restraint, it should only improve with several years in the bottle.

96 point

Fragrant aromas of chamomile, pineapple, beeswax, pie crust and some salted toffee from this generous vintage. Tasty sesame seed flavors on the palate, accompanied by a chalky, saline character. It's creamy and concentrated with very soft bubbles. Engaging and open already, yet with good acidic structure.

95 point

Initially reduced on the nose, this opens with air to reveal rich notes of toasted brioche and smoked hazelnut layered with white peach, baked pineapple and tangerine sorbet flavors, plus a minerally underpinning of oyster shell and chalk. The plush mousse offers a luxe, cashmere like feel while carrying the rich range of flavors, trimmed nicely by chiseled, lemony acidity.