Pol Roger : Brut Réserve

Tart and lemony, with fascinating toast and spicy vanilla overtones. Straightforward and charming rather than complex. Drink now.

Full-bodied and indulgent, lovely fruity aromas, generous breadth, remarkable textural finesse.

The NV Brut Réserve, based on the 2012 vintage and disgorged after four years on the lees in July 2017, is very clear, precise and fresh on the nose, with bright fruit and delicate brioche notes. Blending equal parts of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay from 30 different crus and with 25% reserve wines, this is a clear, fresh, tight and finessed Champagne with an intense, powerful but also filigreed finish. This is an impressive, taut and persistent "White Foli" for many opportunities. Tasted June 2018.

Richly biscuity on the nose, with steamed rice, fresh pear and citrus blossom complexity. Creamy mousse dissolves into red apple peel, lemon and stone fruits, with a depth of honeyed biscuits. The Reserve NV from Pol Roger is a blend of base wines from at least three vintages. With 6 months of post-disgorgement ageing, the wine is ready to enjoy now.

Fresh Amalfi lemons, pear skins, apples, rhubarb and hints of anise on the nose. Excellent depth and flavor concentration here, with a medium body and creamy bubbles. Fruit and spice deliciously integrated. Drink now.

(one-third each pinot meunier, pinot noir and chardonnay) Subdued, deep aromas of spice, nuts and biscuits. Juicy, brisk and concentrated, with flavors of yellow plum, apple, lemon and minerals. At once dense and lively, with bright acids giving the wine a shapely quality. Finishes vibrant and distinctly stony.

Light golden yellow with silver reflections and a lively mousse. Fine fruit sweetness, subtle blossom honey, ripe notes of mango and pineapple and some baked goods mingle on the nose. The palate is juicy and elegant, with pleasant fruit sweetness in the texture and an integrated acid structure supporting the yellow fruited aftertaste. A versatile bottle.

The NV Champagne Brut Reserve release is equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, with 25% reserve wine (3–4 years of wines), and it’s based on the 2020 harvest. A bright pale silver/yellow hue, it opens to fresh and fruity notes of graham cracker, ripe pear, fresh flowers, and wet stones. Medium-bodied and inviting, it’s a perfect aperitif, with a fresh and fruity note, a lively mousse, and a clean finish. Lovely, fruity, and refreshing, it can also be enjoyed at the end of a meal. Drink it over the next several years. Disgorged April 2024. 8 grams per liter dosage.

A slightly constrained palette, with limited complexity. The style comes across as indulgent, with a dosage that adds an off-kilter sweetness. The palate also feels made-up by its dosage, and this sensation masks the wine’s depth and level.

Pol Roger's nonvintage cuvée is perfectly in the house style with its great balance and poise between crisp dryness and a softer character. That makes for a very drinkable wine, rich, stylish and ready to drink now.