France — wine
Côte des Blancs
South-facing chalk slopes southeast of Épernay. Almost exclusively Chardonnay. Source of Champagne's finest blanc de blancs cuvées. Salon (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger monopole — only single village, single vintage, single variety, single vineyard blanc de blancs) is one of the world's great wines. Produced only in exceptional years.
Benchmark products
Vintage assessments
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92 | Exceptional. Le Mesnil grand cru Chardonnay at its finest. Salon, Pierre Péters, and Agrapart outstanding. |
| 2019 | 90 | Very good. Chardonnay precision and freshness across Côte des Blancs. |
| 2018 | 93 | Excellent. Blanc de Blancs from Avize, Oger, and Cramant producing grand cru quality. Salon exceptional. |
| 2017 | 93 | Outstanding Côte des Blancs. Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant at extraordinary level. |
| 2016 | — | Classic; razor-sharp acidity and pure Chardonnay |
| 2015 | — | Generous and aromatic; earlier drinking |
| 2012 | — | Legendary vintage; wines for 30+ years of aging |