Champagne Pol Roger Brut 2015 “First things first. Get the champagne.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Flavor Profile: Mandarin blossom, honey, smoky flint, toasty brioche, red apples, salted plums, rose petals, river rocks, pastis, and toasted almonds
Time on Lees: 63 months
Dosage: 7 grams per liter
Score: JD95, WE95, WA94
Why We Love It
Pol Roger! Just ask any bubble-loving Brit… this is the absolute prime when it comes to the big, flashy, and supremely classic Champagne Houses. A personal favorite of Sir Winston Churchill, who famously invigorated his troops in their fight against the Nazis by proclaiming “Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!” Hear, hear! While we typically focus on the smaller, off-the-radar and culty grower producers, on occasion, it's good to check in with the big guys… and this 2015 vintage Brut is all class!
Over 170 years, and across six generations of the Roger family, Champagne Pol Roger is rightfully regarded as an icon of world-class Champagne. Located on the historic and noble Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, the Pol Roger family has amassed an envious combination of 92 hectares of spectacular estate plots and long-standing grower relationships across the entirety of the region.
This 2015 vintage Brut holds to the traditional house blend of 60% pinot noir, and 40% chardonnay – sourced from 20 different Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards throughout the Côte des Blancs. A long and cool primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with each grape and plot vinified separately, and then allowed to undergo a full malolactic secondary fermentation prior to blending. From there, the wine is bottled and kept deep in the cellars of Pol Roger, over a hundred feet beneath the street level, for over five years on the lees. Before disgorgement, the bottles are still turned by hand during riddling – an impressive feat when you consider the size of the Pol Roger cellar!
In the glass, you are in for a treat – one that is unquestionably deserving of its 95 point score (and a proper wine glass to serve it in!) Aromas of mandarin blossom and honey, with smoky flint and toasty brioche characteristics lead the way, with profound and beguiling flavors of red apples, salted plums, rose petals, and river rocks flowing soon after. A bright and energetic finish gets a touch of warmth from hints of pastis and toasted almonds, but in the end it is the length and structure that truly impresses. This is a bottle built to last – and as delectably complex as it stands today – the future is brighter still. Get this for a special occasion, or simply make this the occasion itself… whichever you choose, I assure you, your happiness is guaranteed!
Technical Details
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Appellation: Champagne
Varietal: Champagne Blends
Blend: 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay
Winemaker: Damien Cambres
Alcohol: 12.5%
Pair it with: Coquilles Saint-Jacques
Fizz Meter
About the Producer
Champagne Pol Roger, a venerable Champagne house established in 1849 in the heart of Epernay, has earned its esteemed reputation for crafting exceptional, classically styled Champagnes. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, Pol Roger has remained family-owned since its inception and has produced remarkable cuvées, including the beloved Sir Winston Churchill vintage, a tribute to the Champagne's deep historical ties with the British statesman. The house is celebrated for its dedication to crafting Champagne with an emphasis on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes sourced from premier vineyard sites, resulting in a portfolio of wines that reflect the finesse, complexity, and elegance for which Pol Roger is renowned. With a storied past and a commitment to excellence, Champagne Pol Roger continues to be cherished by discerning wine connoisseurs as an emblem of sophistication and timeless quality.
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