We are delighted to announce the much-anticipated launch of Pol Roger’s Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2018 – the first new vintage since the 2015, and the 22nd vintage to date of this outstanding and distinctive wine.
Along with members who attended our Champagne Masterclass in London earlier this spring, I had a sneak preview of the 2018 in April and have been impatient to offer it since (spoiler alert: it’s delicious)!
Order by midday on Thursday 29th May
Pol Roger only releases this, their prestige cuvée, when they deem the conditions to be best for the 'Churchill style'. Although the exact blend is a closely guarded secret – and the Churchill family still approve the final wine – it is always based on pinot noir, as Churchill preferred robust and structured Champagnes. Grand cru pinot noir is supported by grand cru chardonnay, which brings elegance, balance and further complexity to the wine.
The 2018 Churchill marks a significant new chapter in the Pol Roger’s history, being the first vintage crafted under the stewardship of Damien Cambres, who took the reins following the retirement of long-time chef de cave, Dominique Petit. Cambres brings with him a deep respect for Pol Roger’s traditions, while subtly refining the house style with his own fresh perspective.
The close relationship between Champagne Pol Roger and the Churchill family has its roots in a friendship that sparked between Odette Pol-Roger and Sir Winston Churchill at a glamorous lunch in Paris in 1928. Churchill’s accounts attest to his deep fondness for Pol, and he often declared them to be 'the most drinkable address in the world'. As such, this cuvée was created in homage to Pol’s biggest fan and has achieved renown as one of the great Champagnes of our time.
Cellar this patiently, if you can: it will unfurl into something special.
