Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2018

The 2018 growing cycle was particularly challenging. Abundant rainfall and mild winter temperatures, followed by a return of cold weather from February to mid-March, including some snow, delayed the start of budbreak. Higher temperatures from April then enabled flowering to take place in very good conditions from the end of May. Temperatures then remained high leading to some stormy spells in late May and early June. Fortunately, the vineyards were spared the hail. July and August brought with them record levels of sunshine. The harvest began on the 24 of August for the House's vineyard and lasted almost 4 weeks. This was only the fifth harvest to begin in August, the first of to be of a remarkable quality. It took place in sunny summer weather with particularly low morning temperatures.

Although the exact blend is a closely guarded family secret, this 2018 follows in the tradition of its predecessors. The grapes for the “Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill” are exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. The predominance of the Pinot Noir provides structure, breadth and elegance while Chardonnay imparts freshness, finesse and subtlety. Brilliantly youthful, the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill displays a brilliant golden hue and delicate bubbles, hallmarks of the champagne’s long ageing in Pol Roger’s deepest cellars. The well-balanced nose is still shy but already shows a lovely polish. Notes of white flowers, citrus and dried apricot mingle with aromas of blond tobacco and gently peppered sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is clean with a vibrant freshness. Minerality and tension are interwoven in a structure that is both energetic and refined. The aromas of blood orange and pastry are beautifully complemented by a hint of fresh raspberry. The finish is long, generous and full of promise.

Sir Winston Churchill 2018 combines boldness and complexity, firmness and elegance, subtlety and distinction. This 22^nd vintage stands proudly in the lineage of the Sir Winston Churchill cuvées. A multi-faceted champagne, it will continue to develop over time, gaining even greater depth and power.