Champagne Salon tasting (with dinner)

As other vintages, high in acidity, and lingering in finish. Lemon, grapefruit, lime, and some flowers at the beginning, then the yogurt and cream breezes. At the very early stage of peak, the maturation flavors are not distinct, quite good pairing with starters and appetizers.

Matured style. Biscuit, Camembert cheese, and some earthy note like mushroom. Dried apple and pear, lemon zest, baked tangerine peel, and Korean Yuja-cheong. Very long finish. Acidity is quite high but well balanced. At its peak, definitely.

Also a great Champagne, but it’s under the shadow of the other greater vintages tonight, especially 96′. High in acidity, but a bit lower than 96′ and 04′. Good in intensity, but not as competitive as 96. Fresh in flavor, but not so young as 04′. Lemon, grapefruit, dried apple, floral honey, and some biscuits and mineral.

Shows deeper color than preceding three Salon. Hot growing season cause this very ripe style. Medium(+) in acidity and intensity. Orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, apple puree, and cream. The structure is not so firm.

Smallest maker in Montalcino. Need more breathing time. Medium(+) in acidity, tannin, and intensity. Cranberry, barn, dried tomato, rose petal, clove, cedar, cream, earthy. Long finish. Need more aging.