POL ROGER
CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE
Why Buy: Pol Roger's 99-point Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut, from the great 2015 vintage, has cemented its status as a must-have for serious collectors (and has made itself even more irresistible to all of us who live for our wines in being ready to drink right now). This flagship cuvée is the pinnacle of Pol Roger's craft, and exemplifies why this grande marque, still family-owned after 170 years, remains a paragon of Champagne excellence. And why we’re so thrilled to be able to bring you these exceptional expressions from their cellars, all of them currently in their prime drinking window. From hand-riddling their bottles to blending special reserve wines into each bottling to the exclusive use of Grand Cru Chardonnay in their Blanc de Blancs Brut, Pol Roger's commitment to tradition yields wines of extraordinary concentration and depth.
What They're Saying: Wine Enthusiast extolled the 99-point Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut 2015 for its “wonderful biscuity aroma,” “ripe yeasty flavors,” and “concentration” — a “mature” wine that is “at a perfect stage and ready” to drink. The publication also reviewed our other two bottles, calling the 95-point Millésimé Brut 2016 “a great, balanced wine, with an edge of minerality” that is ready to “drink now” but will also “age for many years,” and singling out the “pure,” “rich” Blanc de Blancs Brut, whose “mineral edge [is] fully integrated into the white fruit flavors.”
Our Tasting Notes: The Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 unfolds like a Russian novel—complex, layered, and deeply, profoundly satisfying. Initial notes of ripe orchard fruits give way to subtle hints of brioche and truffle, a nod to its extended lees aging. The Millésimé Brut 2016 strikes an ideal balance between vivacity and richness, its crisp apple and citrus notes perfectly complemented by beautiful touches of honey and fresh pastry. The Blanc de Blancs Brut 2015 is all elegance and balance, its pure Chardonnay character shining through with notes of white flowers, crisp pear, and a distinctive chalky minerality.
The Story: Pol Roger's story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Founded in 1849, the house has weathered wars, depressions, and the vicissitudes of fashion to emerge as one of Champagne's most respected names. The turning point in its history came in 1900 when a catastrophic cellar collapse threatened to end the Pol Roger story. Instead of admitting defeat, the family saw an opportunity. They rebuilt, creating deeper, cooler cellars that would prove ideal for long-term aging — a happy accident that would become a cornerstone of their signature style. Pol Roger's connection to Sir Winston Churchill is the stuff of legend. The British statesman was such a devoted fan that he named his race horse "Pol Roger,” and is said to have consumed, yes, 42,000 bottles of their Champagne in his lifetime. The house returned the compliment in 1984 with the launch of the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, a wine that embodies its namesake's bold, robust character. Forty years on, it continues to evolve, adding a state-of-the-art winery and adopting sustainable viticultural practices, while at the same time hewing closely to the traditional methods that have made its vast reputation.
The Specs:
* Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015: a closely guarded blend, but typically Pinot Noir-dominant; aged for a minimum of 10 years before release
* Brut 2016: equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with 10% Pinot Meunier; aged for 7 years on the lees
* Blanc de Blancs 2015: 100% Chardonnay, from Grand Cru vineyards; aged for 7 years before disgorgement
What to Pair Them With: Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 will make magic with a truffle-laced risotto. The Brut 2016 has proven itself to be a versatile companion, capable of enhancing a plate of oysters, a roast chicken, or a quiche. The Blanc de Blancs 2015 is sublime with caviar or a simple plate of aged Comté.
Fun Fact: During World War II, members of the French Resistance used the cellars of Pol Roger to hide weapons from the occupying forces. The house's contribution to the liberation was later recognized by Churchill himself.
Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Act today to secure yours!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, NY, SC, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024.