2004 Champagne, Pol Roger, Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill
About Producer
Pol Roger had been the favourite champagne of Churchill since 1908 when he discovered it at age 34. Churchill is reputed to have drunk 42,000 bottles of Pol Roger in his life. This cuvée was launched in 1984 at Blenheim Palace, Churchill’s birthplace and ancestral home. It was the 1975 vintage, only in magnums which was a fitting tribute to the man who famously said that ‘a magnum is the perfect size for two to share over lunch, especially if one of them isn’t drinking’. It’s a blend of old-vine pinot noir and chardonnay from grands crus vineyards planted during Churchill’s lifetime.
Varietals
Blend of old vines pinot noir and chardonnay from grand cru vineyards planted during Churchill's lifetime.
About Appellation
One of the first mentions of vines in the region was made by Saint Remigius, the Bishop of Reims who baptised the King of the Franks Clovis I in 496, who listed in his testament a vineyard in the suburb of Reims. Much has been written about the key roles of Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), a Benedictine monk at Hautvilliers Abbey, and Frère Jean Oudart (1654-1742), from Saint-Pierre-aux-Monts Abbey in Pierry, in the development of Champagne as we know today. In 1690, 'Champagne Wines' were first mentioned to designate sparkling wines of the region, and it was also the first time in France that a wine was identified as produce from a specific region. Today, the vineyards covers 34,300ha in four sub-regions, Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bar. Within the three first sub-regions, there are 17 Grand Cru communes. While the main grape varieties are pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, four other varietals are also used in some blends, arbane, petit meslier, pinot blanc and pinot gris (known locally as fromenteau).
Tasting Notes
Alluring nose of ripe white fruits, apricot, citrus, honey, warm brioche and grilled hazelnut, ample mouthfeel with lacy texture, impressive focus and excellent depth, multilayered flavours of red berries, peach, apple, pear, orange custard, pomelo and toasted almond, crisp acidity and refined bubbles carrying through a long, persistent finish. Though not having the grandeur of its 2002 sibling, this 2004 is a sensational champagne with breathtaking poise, remarkable purity and endearing complexity. Walking a tightrope between assertive density and ethereal grace, it displays from start to finish a fascinating choreography of subtle richness and astonishing weightlessness that is a splendid feast for the senses. Still far from its peak at 20 years old, it’s assuredly powerful and intense, yet there is an incredible freshness throughout the palate that bodes well for further glory. (02/2024)