Champagne Pol Roger - Brut Réserve

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 exceptional 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:

A signature wine of the house, this brut is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay from 30 crus, combining the 2019 harvest with 25% reserve wines from the three previous years. A pale gold color enlivened by fine, persistent bubbles, it is unanimously praised for its elegance throughout the tasting. Initially subtle, the nose gradually reveals delicious and nuanced aromas of white fruit. This full-bodied fruitiness, with peach notes standing out, is confirmed on the palate, which is full-bodied, silky, and smooth, harmonious and long-lasting, balancing richness and delicacy.

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:

The latest vintage of Pol Roger’s Brut Réserve NV is based on the 2021 vintage and includes 30% reserve wines from the 2020, 2019, and 2018 vintages. Disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, this wine exudes an expressive bouquet of crisp pear, orange zest, ripe peach, and delicate pastry notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with a vibrant fruity core and admirable balance, despite a dosage that may seem relatively generous. It is imbued with lively acidity and culminates in a lingering, briny finish. Composed of equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, this cuvée is immediately appealing upon release but possesses the structure necessary to reward several years of cellaring, thereby revealing the charm of a finely matured champagne.

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); and 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 succeeded Dominique Petit as cellar master.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This refreshing champagne offers aromas of bread crust, sliced apples, citrus, and a few raspberries. The palate is lively, with fine bubbles and a clean, precise finish. A blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay. 2021 vintage. Disgorged in October 2024. Dosage: 8 g/L. Ready to drink now.