Champagne Pol Roger - Sir Winston Churchill 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This mid-sized house, founded in 1849 by Pol Roger, is still owned by the founding family and is currently led by Laurent d’Harcourt. As the official supplier to the Queen of England, its connection with the neighboring kingdom goes far beyond mere commercial ties, as Sir Winston Churchill also appreciated Pol Roger’s wines and made them his favorite brand. It flourished in the last century thanks to top-tier vintages that are indisputably among the elite of champagnes, such as the 1928, which has achieved cult status. The house is fortunate to own a 90-hectare vineyard that covers 65% of its needs; it has deliberately limited its production to 1.5 million bottles annually and maintains an impressive stock of 9 million bottles aging in the cellars—a reserve virtually unmatched today.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

The house’s prestige cuvée reflects the tastes of its most famous client for powerful, mature wines. While its composition remains a secret, the blend features Pinot Noir as the primary grape, complemented by Chardonnay, all sourced from grand cru vineyards. After aging for 10 years in the cellar, the 2009 vintage displays a pale gold color with fine, lively bubbles. It opens with fresh almond, buttery and brioche notes, along with a hint of caramel and a touch of undergrowth. This complex and evolved profile is reflected in a structured and generous palate. Fresh and long, the finish is marked by a slight bitterness. A Champagne for fine dining.

About the estate:

This Épernay-based champagne house shipped its first bottles to England shortly after its founding by the young Pol Roger in 1849. It quickly gained fame throughout the kingdom and forged close ties with British champagne enthusiasts; Winston Churchill was notably vocal about his preference for Pol Roger champagne. The business, which has remained family-owned, is supported by a 92-hectare vineyard. On the board of directors, Hubert de Billy represents the fifth generation of the family; Laurent d'Harcourt, chairman of the board, succeeded Patrice Noyelle in 2013. Upon his retirement in 2018, cellar master Dominique Petit handed over his position to Damien Cambres, former director of the Goutte d'Or cooperative in Vertus.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

A favorite of Sir Winston Churchill, Pol Roger was founded in 1849. Its approximately 89 hectares of estate-owned vineyards are spread across the terroirs of the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs. Initially characterized by Pinot Noir, the wines now draw more on the elegance of Chardonnay. With a stock of 8 million bottles currently aging—equivalent to 4 to 5 years of sales—Pol Roger ranks among the "smallest" of the great Champagne houses! Its management remains strictly family-run.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Pol Roger's 2009 Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée makes a very fine impression, offering a bold bouquet of golden apples, light honey, hazelnuts, and fresh pastries that is still quite youthful. Full-bodied, rich, and textured, it is deep and concentrated, with a generous core of fruit, ripe yet racy acidity, a fine mousse, and a long, lingering finish. This is an expressive interpretation, but despite its extravagant charm, readers willing to wait at least five years will be rewarded with added complexity.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Pol Roger is a true icon of Champagne, renowned for the precision, richness, and consistency of its portfolio. The vineyards are located primarily on the slopes of Épernay, in the Côte des Blancs, as well as in Mareuil and Ambonnay—all terroirs known for their high quality and consistency. The three grape varieties are present in equal thirds, as in the purchases (a balance reflected in the cuvées); malolactic fermentation is systematic (which adds roundness); racking is done cold (for aromatic intensity). Pol Roger is the last house of its size to manually riddled its 1.6 million bottles annually on racking racks in its 7.5 km of cellars in Spaarnac. The cuvées differ based on the aging of reserve wines, as well as the origin of the crus. Pol Roger has recaptured the style and richness of the wines that made its reputation in the 1960s, with cuvées such as Sir Winston Churchill (only ten vintages produced in thirty years) or the vintage Blanc de Blancs, the epitome of distinguished champagnes that age remarkably well. Damien Cambres has replaced Dominique Petit as cellar master.

Jancis Robinson