"Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate) 94/100
The first thing that is evident about the 2000 Brut Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill is its finesse and total silkiness. The 2000 is a rich, creamy and deeply expressive Winston Churchill. I don’t see the 2000 being an especially long-term ager, but it is wonderfully radiant and open today. Hints of pastry, spice, apricots and succulent ripe pears blossom on the expansive, broad-shouldered finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030. Oct 2012, www.robertparker.com
Allen Meadows 94/100
(from magnum). A discreet, almost shy nose reflects notes of green apple, yeast and Meyer lemon nuances along with plenty of floral influence. By contrast there is plenty of body and punch to the powerful but not especially dense middle weight flavors that are supported by a full-on but not aggressive mousse as well as excellent depth on the lingering finale. This is very clearly still on the way up and even waiting another 5 to 7 years may not see this at its full apogee. What is clearly evident though is that this is going to be a very long distance runner in magnum format. 94/2020+ Burghound.com (60), October 2015"
Champagne Pol Roger created their Prestige Cuvée in homage to Sir Winston Churchill. The exact blend is a closely guarded family secret, Pinot Noir predominates, providing structure, breadth and robustness whilst Chardonnay contributes elegance, finesse and subtlety. Composed exclusively of grapes sourced from Grands Crus Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards which were already under vine during Churchill's lifetime. Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is only made in the very best vintages.
Pol Roger founded his Champagne house in 1849 and it is still proudly independent, under family control. It owns 89 hectares of vineyards on prime sites of the Vallée d'Epernay and on the Côte de Blancs. Its cellars run for 7km and are on three levels, the deepest known as the 'cave de prise de mousse' at 33m below street level. As the name suggests this is where the wine undergoes its secondary fermentation in bottle. The fact that this deep cellar is at 9oC or less rather than the normal cellar temperature of 11-12oC prolongs this fermentation and contributes to the quality and particular style of the wines and their famously fine bubbles.
