Iron Gate Auctions
Timed Auction

Beyond the Rules: Super Tuscan Pioneers among the World's Great Wines

Tue, Mar 24, 2026 10:00AM EDT - Tue, Mar 31, 2026 08:00PM EDT
  2026-03-24 10:00:00 2026-03-31 20:00:00 America/New_York Iron Gate Iron Gate : Beyond the Rules: Super Tuscan Pioneers among the World's Great Wines https://bid.irongateauctions.com/auctions/iron-gate-wine/beyond-the-rules-super-tuscan-pioneers-among-the-worlds-great-wines-21728
Explore a global collection in our March auction, where the world’s most prestigious wine regions provide the backdrop for a premier showcase of Tuscan treasures. While the catalogue journeys through the most celebrated wine estates, the sun-drenched slopes of Italy take center stage with a dedicated focus on the legendary Super Tuscans including a plethora of the greats: Tignanello, Sassicaia, Solaia and Ornellaia to name a few. **Please note: This sale has a Buyer's premium of 19.5%.** Operated under license by Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis and Alberta Auction license #821930.
Iron Gate Auctions info@irongate.wine
  • 1996
  • White Sparkling
  • Chardonnay
  • Champagne
  • Champagne
  • France
  • 750ml
  • 100 points, Vintage Ends in 6
Lot 376

1996 Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Champagne - 1 bottle(s)-750ml

Estimate: CAD$1,600 - CAD$2,200
Starting Bid
CAD$1,200
$875.91

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
CAD$0 CAD$20
CAD$500 CAD$50
CAD$1,000 CAD$100
CAD$2,000 CAD$200
CAD$3,000 CAD$250
CAD$5,000 CAD$500
CAD$10,000 CAD$1,000
CAD$20,000 CAD$2,000
CAD$50,000 CAD$5,000
CAD$100,000 CAD$10,000
This lot is comprised of 1 bottle(s) of 1996 Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Champagne - 750ml. Estimate for this lot is between $1600 - $2200 with a reserve of $1200. The wine in this lot belongs to collection 11312.

Condition

Please note the following conditions in this lot - Scuffed Label.

Available payment options

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All lots are located in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Confirmation of pickup or delivery of Iron Gate Commercial Auction winnings must be made within 30 days of auction close. Thereafter, your winnings will be subject to a $250 handling, administration and storage fee, including a subsequent $5.50/case/month and $1.50 per bottle fee for inventory services. If no contact has been made within two years, auction winnings will be considered abandoned.

 

Please note that auction winnings from earlier auctions cannot be combined with current or future winnings for shipping purposes. Each auction's items will be processed and shipped separately.

It is the responsibility of the buyer to make all arrangements for insuring, packing and removing the property purchased and any assistance by the Auctioneer, or the employees of, agents or contractors in packing and removal shall be rendered as a courtesy and without any liability to them. The Auctioneer shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or damage caused by packers and shippers, notwithstanding the fact that the Auctioneer may have recommended such shippers or packers to the purchaser.

A Vancouver-based cellar who purchased all wines on release from trusted importers/agents. Wines were stored professionally from the time of purchase. Looking to pair down his cellar, Iron Gate is delighted to bring these wines to auction.
1996 Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Champagne from this lot has the following scores - Decanter 100 points. This is the tasting note for 1996 Salon Cuvee S Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Champagne from Robert Parker - with a score of 99 points. This bottle of the 1996 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut was drinking superbly and represents the apotheosis of Blanc de Blancs, unfurling over the course of three hours with a stunningly complex bouquet of citrus oil, confit lemon, dried white flowers and oyster shell, with hints of praline and pastry cream becoming more pronounced as the wine opens up in the glass. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, defined by the incisive spine so typical of the vintage that, here, is cloaked in layers of crisp fleshy and chalky extract. The finish is long, penetrating and saline. Unfortunately, since the 1996 Salon has been traded so zealously over the last decade, finding a bottle that hasn't travelled too far can be a challenge. But from a perfectly stored bottle, this is just the beginning.