The Champagne house of Pol Roger is aristocratic and classic with a history that spans over 170 years. The 2018 Pol Roger Vintage Champagne is a cuvée of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from 20 Grands and Premier Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. It is produced in limited quantities and aged in the cellars before being disgorged and released to the market.

The 2018 vintage in Champagne was generous and sunlit, with wines of richness and poise. In the glass, the 2018 Pol Roger yields a pale golden hue with a persistent, fine beaded mousse. The bouquet unfolds slowly with notes of freshly baked sourdough bread and croissants. On the palate, it is at once expansive and tightly focused, revealing layers of orchard fruit and citrus zest. As you delve deep into the core you encounter white peach, lemon balm and roasted hazelnuts giving way to some honeycomb in the background. Finely ground minerals anchor the freshness and elegance of this champagne. This extremely well-crafted champagne shows approachability but will benefit from extended aging in your cellar.

By W Peter Hoyne