Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 2013
The Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill, Champagne Pol Roger's Prestige Cuvee, was created in homage to Sir Winston Churchill (he was rumoured to have consumed 42,000 bottles of Pol Roger during his lifetime!) mindful of the qualities that he preferred in his champagne: robustness, a full-bodied character and relative maturity. The exact blend is a closely guarded family secret but it is undeniable that the composition would meet the approval of the man to whom it is dedicated.
Sir Winston Churchill's relationship with Pol Roger dates back to 1945 when, during a luncheon given by the British ambassador to France after the liberation of Paris, Churchill met the charming and captivating Odette Pol-Roger. A friendship began which, indulged by his wife Clementine, lasted until his death in 1965. Each year on his birthday, Odette would send Churchill a case of vintage champagne. So close was his relationship with the family that upon his death, Pol Roger put black-bordered labels on all of their bottles destined for the UK. In 1975, Pol Roger went one step further and named their prestige cuvée after him, producing it in the robust and mature style that he liked so much.
Churchill drank Pol Roger – lots of it. Its cépage has never been released but it is believed to be over 60 per cent pinot noir. 2013 was a good vintage, the acidity a highlight. Here it has been the foundation of the freshness and imperious length of a very great champagne, second only to the 2008. Drink to 2030 - James Halliday, 99 Points
The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2013
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%