Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018

Released in 2024 to mark Pol Roger’s 175th anniversary, the 2018 vintage is hailed as among the elite “8” vintages (1928, 1988, 1998, 2008, now 2018) that define the House. This is a Grand & Premier Cru blend (60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay) drawn from 20 select villages in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. Pol Roger has styled this as “muscular, generous, firm, rich, powerful and demonstrative.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Pale yellow with silver highlights and a luminous clarity.

Nose: At first reserved, then opening into aromas of fresh and exotic fruits — pineapple, white peach — joined by dried fruit, pastry, brioche, hazelnut, and subtle citrus peel. With time: touches of toasted nuts, marmalade, and baked brioche emerge.

Palate: Fresh and agile, with crisp acidity giving backbone. The fruit layers persist — citrus, candied orange peel, poached pear, and sweet orchard fruit — backed by pastry character, a creamy texture, and a hint of mineral tension.

Technical Details

Grape Blend: 60% Pinot Noir / 40% Chardonnay

Vineyard Classification: Grand & Premier Cru (20 villages across Montagne de Reims & Côte des Blancs)

Lees Ageing: 4 years on lees (minimum)

Dosage: ~7 g/L (relatively restrained for vintage)

Disgorged: November 2023

ABV: 12,5%

Bottle Size: 750ml

Drinkability / Ageing Window: Now to ~2030 or beyond, depending on cellaring and bottle maturity.

Collector’s Note

2018 was a sun-drenched vintage for Champagne, with a long, hot summer and early harvest (beginning 20 August) giving ripe fruit but preserving acidity thanks to cool nights. Pol Roger describes the vintage as among their finest “8” years, evoking parallels with 1928. Because of its graceful balance of power and freshness, this vintage is expected to evolve beautifully over time and already stands out as a refined, expressive release.