Pol Roger : Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Édition Vinothèque 1998

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Vinothèque Edition 1998

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance reveals a brilliant golden hue, enhanced by fine and elegant bubbles that attest to the exceptional quality of this vintage champagne.

Nose
The bouquet is initially discreet before gradually opening up to notes of vanilla and pastry. Aeration reveals a complex aromatic palette blending cocoa, roasted almond, and cashew, creating a harmonious and refined whole.

Palate
The attack is direct and indulgent. The mid-palate is marked by beautiful acidity that structures the wine, while the fresh finish reveals citrus aromas, especially candied lemon, offering remarkable length.

An exceptional champagne from the historic cellars of Pol Roger

The estate
Founded in 1849 by Pol Roger in Aÿ before settling in Épernay in 1851, this family-run Champagne house remains today under the management of Hubert de Billy. Still independent and owned by the Pol-Roger and de Billy families, it has distinguished itself in particular with its prestige cuvée Sir Winston Churchill created in 1975, and its dominant position on the British market since the 19th century.

The vineyard

Maison Pol Roger oversees an exceptional Champagne vineyard of 92 hectares, including some of the finest plots of the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs.

The cuvée

For its 175th anniversary, Pol Roger is offering a very limited selection of old vintages from its iconic cuvées. These bottles, disgorged at the initial launch date, were then returned to the cellars for extended aging, remaining undisturbed until release. They also feature hand-applied labels inspired by the original designs and are presented in a wooden case.

The Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Vinothèque Edition 1998 comes exclusively from Grands Crus terroirs that were already in production during Sir Winston Churchill's era, ensuring historical authenticity and exceptional quality of the grapes used for this prestigious blend.

The vintage

The year 1998 was marked by contrasting weather conditions, with spring frosts, hail, heavy rain, and late frosts before flowering. At the end of May and early June, temperatures hovered around zero. August brought a heatwave that caused sunburn on the berries. Early September saw continuous rain before a final improvement in weather conditions, which, combined with meticulous vineyard management, resulted in balanced musts in excellent sanitary condition.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes are pressed quickly and gently, followed by double settling—first at the pressing center, then in the cellar at low temperature. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at low temperature in stainless steel tanks with separate vinification by grape variety and cru. After full malolactic fermentation, blending and bottling precede the prise de mousse and aging in cellars 33 meters underground. This champagne matures on lees for 10 years before traditional, entirely manual riddling and disgorgement.

Blend
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.