Champagne Pol Roger Winston Churchill 2015 (Autographed)

1. Winery Background

Pol Roger is one of Champagne’s most esteemed houses, established in 1849 in Épernay, and it has remained family-owned and operated. The house is known for its consistent quality, elegance, and refined style. Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is the house’s most prestigious cuvée, created in honor of Sir Winston Churchill, who was a great admirer and close friend of the Pol Roger family. The first vintage of this cuvée was released in 1975, a decade after Churchill’s death, and it has since become a benchmark for luxury Champagne.

The wine is crafted to reflect the qualities Churchill valued most in his Champagne: robustness, full-bodied character, and longevity. It is only produced in the finest vintages, and the precise blend is a closely guarded secret.

2. The Producer

Pol Roger is celebrated for its traditional winemaking techniques, with an emphasis on producing wines that age gracefully. The house is committed to quality, aging their wines for longer than legally required to ensure complexity and finesse. Their cellars are among the deepest and coolest in Épernay, allowing the wines to develop slowly and harmoniously.

3. The Vineyard

The grapes for Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill are sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards that were under vine during Churchill’s lifetime. These vineyards are located primarily in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, two of the most prestigious areas in Champagne. The specific plots are carefully selected to provide the concentration, structure, and aging potential that Churchill admired.

4. The Wine

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 is a vintage Champagne, meaning it is made from grapes harvested in a single year. It is a blend dominated by Pinot Noir, which provides structure, power, and richness, with a smaller proportion of Chardonnay to add elegance and finesse. The exact proportions of the blend remain a closely held secret, but the wine is known for its bold, robust style, balanced by the house’s signature elegance.

5. The Vintage (2015)

The 2015 vintage in Champagne was marked by warm and dry conditions, resulting in a relatively early harvest. The weather was ideal for ripening the grapes, leading to wines with excellent concentration and ripe fruit flavors. The warm growing season gave the wines power and richness, while the cool nights preserved freshness and acidity. The vintage is noted for producing full-bodied, generous wines with great aging potential.

6. Vinification and Aging

The wine undergoes its primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the fruit. The secondary fermentation, which creates the bubbles, takes place in the bottle, followed by extended aging on the lees (yeast) for at least 10 years. This extended aging adds depth, complexity, and a creamy texture to the wine. After disgorgement, a low dosage is added to balance the acidity and enhance the richness of the wine.

7. The Grapes

• Pinot Noir (dominant)

• Chardonnay (minority)

Pinot Noir is the backbone of the blend, providing structure, power, and aging potential, while Chardonnay adds finesse, elegance, and freshness.

8. Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright golden hue with a fine and persistent mousse.

• Nose: The nose is complex and refined, with aromas of ripe stone fruits like apricot and peach, layered with notes of toasted brioche, almond, and hazelnut. Subtle hints of vanilla, honey, and a touch of smoky minerality add depth.

• Palate: Full-bodied and powerful, the palate offers rich flavors of baked apple, pear, and dried fruit, balanced by vibrant acidity and a creamy texture from the extended lees aging. There are also hints of brioche, toast, and a touch of citrus zest, with underlying minerality. The wine is precise, with a long, complex finish.

• Finish: The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of toasted almonds, spice, and minerality.

9. Food and Wine Pairing

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 pairs beautifully with rich and elegant dishes, particularly those that complement the wine’s depth and complexity:

• Foie gras or duck pâté

• Lobster or scallops with butter-based sauces

• Roast poultry (quail, pheasant, or chicken) with truffle or mushroom-based sauces

• Aged cheeses, such as Comté, Parmesan, or Gruyère

• Caviar or other luxurious seafood dishes

10. Service

• Serving Temperature: Serve chilled at around 10-12°C (50-54°F) to allow the wine’s complexity and depth to fully express themselves.

• Decanting: Not necessary, but allowing the Champagne to breathe in the glass for 10-15 minutes can help enhance the aromas and flavors.

11. Storage

• Aging Potential: The 2015 vintage has excellent aging potential. While it is already showing beautifully, it will continue to evolve and gain complexity over the next 15-20 years, developing more pronounced tertiary notes of hazelnut, dried fruits, and honey.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place at consistent temperatures (around 12°C/55°F) to ensure optimal aging conditions.

12. Scores

• Wine Advocate: 96 points

• James Suckling: 97 points

• Decanter: 96 points

• Vinous: 95 points

Summary

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 is a powerful, elegant, and age-worthy Champagne that embodies the prestige and history of Pol Roger. With its robust structure, refined complexity, and long aging potential, it is a fitting tribute to Churchill’s legacy. This exceptional cuvée is perfect for special occasions or for collectors looking to age a Champagne that will develop beautifully over time.