Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2018

This is the prestige cuvée of Pol Roger, released only in exceptional years, and named in tribute to Winston Churchill, one of Pol Roger’s most ardent patrons. The 2018 vintage marks a new era, being the first Churchill made under Chef de Cave Damien Cambres.

Pol Roger describes this cuvée as a blend drawn exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, with Pinot Noir predominating to provide structure and strength, while Chardonnay lends elegance and finesse.

Tasting Notes

Colour: A brilliant golden hue, clear and bright, with fine bubbles that reflect its extended ageing in deep cellars.

Nose: Initially reserved, then unfolding with white flowers, citrus (lemon peel, orange), and dried apricot. Hints of blond tobacco, sweet spices, and gentle pepper emerge with time.

Palate: Clean, fresh, and energetic. The texture builds with minerality, citrus tension, and restrained fruit (blood orange, poached pear). There’s a subtle pastry or brioche note, and a freshness that threads through the structure.

Finish: Long, generous, and promising. The expressive finish carries citrus and subtle red berry hint in the aftertaste, with continued structure and mineral backbone.

Collector’s Note

The 2018 Sir Winston Churchill is particularly notable as the first of the Churchill cuvées made under a new generation of leadership, yet holding to the House’s strict standards. Its restrained style, promises of complexity, and prestige of the Churchill name make it a standout among recent prestige Champagnes.

Technical details:

Producer / House: Pol Roger, Épernay, Champagne, France

Vintage: 2018

Grape Sources: Exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, primarily Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay supporting elegance (blend proportions are a closely guarded family secret)

Fermentation Conditions:
Slow, cool alcoholic fermentation (temperature kept under ~18 °C) in stainless steel, with each variety and village kept separate. Full malolactic fermentation completed before final blending

Lees Aging & Bottle Fermentation (Second Fermentation):
Second fermentation in bottle at ~9 °C inside Pol Roger’s deep cellars (≈ 33 metres below street level). Extended lees ageing (period before disgorgement) — the depth and cool conditions of the cellars contribute to fine, persistent mousse and development of complexity.

Disgorgement / Dosage:
Disgorged in June 2024 
Dosage: 7 grams per litre

Alcohol Strength (ABV): 12,5%

Bottle Size: 750ml