2004 Salon Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Les Mesnil, France, Wine Review
This is my favorite Champagne. Sadly, it has gotten so expensive, I don't know how often, if at all, I will get to drink it. One hundred percent Chardonnay. Deeper gold in color with a great mousse of tiny bubbles. The nose is slightly oxidized (a friend called it caramelized) with yeast, brioche, lemon/citrus, and green apple. Full bodied. Great balance. On the palate, this is so smooth. Good acidity but this vintage is more "blowsy". Complex and deep. Flavors of preserved lemons, slight chalk and minerality. Long, long finish. This is probably a bit past peak, but still fantas