Champagne Pol Roger - Brut Blanc de Blancs 2013

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

The striking moisture of freshly cut green zest, a interplay of green and yellow citrus unmatched in purity. The lemon verbena infusion and the fragrances of old-fashioned candy and nougat in the process of baking take us back to our purest memories. The gray and stone tones are like a sculptural, high-definition, salty flint. On the palate, the skins of uzu and combawa are chiseled with an extreme stony texture and an abrupt, calcareous quality. The finish blends calisson, kumquat, and fleur de sel with a vertical dimension of astonishing purity—an outburst unlike any experienced before. A magnificent display of precision and new flavors straight from their source. The ultimate.

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 ties to the neighboring kingdom go far beyond mere commercial relations, as Sir Winston Churchill also appreciated Pol Roger’s wines and made them his favorite brand. It flourished over the past century thanks to exceptional vintages that are indisputably among the finest 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 volume to 1.5 million bottles per year and maintains an impressive stock of 9 million bottles aging in its cellars—a reserve virtually unmatched today.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

This Épernay-based champagne house shipped its first bottles to England as soon as it was founded by the young Pol Roger in 1849. It quickly became famous throughout the kingdom and forged close ties with British champagne enthusiasts; Winston Churchill, in particular, never failed to express his preference for Pol Roger champagne. The business, which has remained family-owned, is supported by a 92-hectare vineyard. On the executive board, Hubert de Billy represents the fifth generation of the family; Laurent d’Harcourt, chairman of the executive 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! It remains under strict family ownership.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Pol Roger's 2013 Blanc de Blancs is very appealing, unfolding in the glass with aromas of crisp orchard fruits, citrus zest, sourdough bread, pastry cream, and almonds. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, taut, and incisive, it is more finely chiseled than the richer, more concentrated 2012, with racy acidity and a slightly reductive edge, finishing with a chalky note. It is a true classic in its style and should develop beautifully with age on the cork.

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

About the wine:

Although 2013 was a challenging vintage, the Chardonnays were partially spared, giving this cuvée a lovely elegance, a pleasant refinement, and an airy finish.

About the estate:

Pol Roger is a true icon of Champagne, renowned for the precision, richness, and consistency of its range. The vineyards are planted 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 blended in equal thirds, as in the house’s purchases (a balance reflected in the cuvées); malolactic fermentation is carried out systematically (which adds roundness); and racking is done at cold temperatures (to enhance aromatic intensity). Pol Roger is the last house of its size to manually stir its 1.6 million bottles annually on racking racks in its 7.5 km of cellars in Sparnac. The cuvées are distinguished by the aging of reserve wines, as well as by the origin of the crus. Pol Roger has recaptured the style and richness of the wines that made it famous 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 succeeded Dominique Petit as cellar master.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Crisp apple notes and a tight minerality come together in a wine with satisfying ripeness. It is young, showcasing its fruitiness, and is still developing toward its future complexity. But it will be a refined, well-structured champagne. Best enjoyed starting in 2022.