Pol Roger was just nineteen when he founded his estate in 1849. Still a family-run enterprise, fifth generation Hubert de Billy is one of the descendants who manage the House today. With 89-hectares of vineyards supplying half of their grape requirements and illustrious premises containing immaculate facilities including pristinely polished stainless-steel tanks. Today they own 92 hectares of vineyards and its cellars in Epernay, just off the Avenue de Champagne run for 7.5 kms, 34 metres below the ground at a constant 9 Celsius.

Remarkably, a small team of less than ten complete everything in the cellar by hand and Pol Roger boast four of the region's remaining fifteen riddlers, who impressively turn over 60,000 bottles a day. Indeed, it is this style and their respect for tradition that initiated Sir Winston Churchill's lifelong attachment to Pol Roger, who famously insisted: "In defeat I need it, in victory I deserve it." Today, their prestige cuvée is named in honour of the great man.

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. The exact composition of this cuvée is a family secret but it is likely that Pinot Noir dominates 70-80% of the blend with the remainder being Chardonnay. The grapes are all from Grand Cru vineyards which were under vine during Churchill's lifetime.

Weather: The 2009 harvest began with a particularly cold winter but mild spring temperatures helped avoid any frost damage. Some stormy spells boosted the vegetation in late spring and June and July were altogether variable with hot spells and rainy patches. The glorious August weather was perfect for the grapes growth, hot and dry days followed by cool nights led to rapid maturation. Harvest began on September 8th and ended on the 21st.
Technical Information:

Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru
Grape Varieties: Family Secret | Likely 65-75% Pinot Noir, 25-35% Chardonnay
Ageing: 8 years on lees
Disgorged: 2019
Dosage: 8 g/l
Drink: Now to 2036+

Tasting Note: A vivid golden colour with the fine stream of bubbles classic to the Churchill style. A slightly held back nose but the flavours on the palate a full of hazelnuts and almonds with an abundance of fresh fruits, citrus and balanced acidity combine to create a well rounded champagne with a great length at the finish.