Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2015

The 2015 Sir Winston Churchill is immediately commanding, with aromas of ripe orchard fruit, citrus oil, and white peach layered over toasted brioche, hazelnut, and subtle spice. The palate is broad and powerful, showing concentration and depth balanced by pinpoint acidity and a fine, creamy mousse. Its glowing golden hue, threaded with streams of delicate bubbles, mirrors the wine’s richness and refinement. The finish is long, resonant, and precise — a Champagne of gravitas and poise.

First released in 1984, Pol Roger’s flagship cuvée was created in tribute to the house’s most famous devotee, Sir Winston Churchill. Made only in exceptional vintages and from grapes sourced in grand cru vineyards, the blend is kept secret but dominated by Pinot Noir to reflect Churchill’s preference for robust, structured Champagne. The 2015 vintage, marked by warm conditions and ripe fruit, produced a wine of generosity and power, while remaining faithful to the finesse and balance that define both Pol Roger and its illustrious namesake.

“Deep golden straw colour. Full-bodied, meaty nose with lots of impact. Lovely, filigree mousse – very well judged for its impact on the palate. Flavours reach every bit of the palate. Quite a charmer! Definitely already approachable – in fact it tastes as though it would already have been pretty nice last year! A fine, succulent representative of this dry, ripe year. Pretty gorgeous actually. Maybe it won't be the longest-lasting Churchill but it's hugely satisfying now.” - 18 Pts, Jancis Robinson MW, Jancisrobinson.com 

Coming from only Grand Cru villages of Montagne de Reims and always boasting a large proportion of Pinot Noir in the cuvée, the 2015 Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut displays a medium straw color and has a stunning nose that’s highly aromatic with toasted croissant, kirsch, and orange peel. With a noble structure and feel to the wine, it’s full-bodied with broad shoulders but has remarkable balance for this hot vintage. The mouthfeel is exceptional and long, with vibrant acidity, a rounded and elegant mousse, a chalky texture, and a mouthwatering finish. Given the vintage, it’s showing a more approachable side already, although it should have significant longevity ahead of it. In its youth, it’s more approachable than the 2013, and I would perhaps drink some of these now and then wait to be surprised as it holds on and likely has a wide drinking window. Drink 2024-2040. - 95 Pts, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com