Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

Pinot Noir (dominant); Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Brut

Ageing on Lees:

Eight years

Price:

$$$$

Cellar:

Ten+ years

Category:

Collectible

What

The maison established in 1849 by then 18 year-old Pol Roger, still owned by the De Billy and Pol-Roger families (a compound name created in 1900 in tribute to the family patriarch).

Where

Épernay; 92 ha of estate vines provide material for about half the production.

Why

The story sells itself. In 1944, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Odette Pol-Roger met over the house’s vintage 1928 at a luncheon hosted by the British Ambassador to France; she subsequently sent him a case every year for his birthday. 2015 is SWC’s 21st vintage since the inaugural 1975. It is made exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards and to Churchill’s tastes: full-bodied and mature.

What Else

The Maison’s official address is 1 Rue Winston Churchill, even though he sadly never visited in his lifetime. Churchill, meanwhile, named one of his racehorses Pol Roger, though oddly enough, it was a filly.

Tasting Notes

This has a virile, golden bronze tone, starting a little reticent, but soon delivering meaty red plum fruit, black tea, sweet tobacco and vetiver. The palate is broad and enveloping from the beginning, coating the tongue in a plush wrapper of fruit and beautifully integrated sweetness, all kept aloft by a net of acidity. Warmth becomes more apparent by midpalate, where a wet clay earthiness comes in to give some edge. By the back there is a burdock root vegetal tone along with malty yeastiness. Though always staying in a low or medium register, it never goes too far into weight and richness, thanks to its delicious savoury qualities.

Try It With

Luxurious pork or lamb roasts

When To Drink

Main course or after dinner

Perfect For

The most anglophilic person you know

TL/DR

Taut, virile nose; broad, enveloping palate

Supplier

Altaya