Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2009
Champagne Pol Roger
The friendship between Champagne Pol Roger and Sir Winston Churchill dates back to the 1928 vintage of Pol Roger. This deep friendship continued until his death and created a deep link between the two families. Among his array of famous quotes, Sir Churchill once called Pol Roger “the world’s most drinkable address”.
To commemorate this friendship, Pol Roger produced the premiere release of “Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill” with the 1975 vintage, which was produced in magnum only and released in 1984.
Vinification: While the exact blend is a family secret, it is believed that the wine is blended to meet the late Churchill’s approval and is most likely a majority of Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from old vines located exclusively in Grand Cru vineyards. Like all Pol Roger Champagnes this cuvée is fermented in stainless steel at very low temperatures. The wine is aged in the deepest portions of the Pol Roger cellars for an average of 10 years prior to release. Maturation in the deep cellars of Pol Roger results in a wine with a very fine mousse and intense and extraordinarily complex layers of fruit, exotic spice and minerality. With immense pride and joy, Pol Roger created this prestige cuvée to honor Sir Winston and is made in a style of which he would approve. The precise blend is a family secret and is produced only in the finest vintages. This cuvée was composed of grapes from the same plots that were sourced to produce Churchill’s favorite vintages, such as the excellent 1928. “SWC” has been called the “greatest luxury cuvée of modern times.”
Additional Information
The wine displays a mid golden yellow color and continuous stream of delicate bubbles. An elegant and powerful nose with toasted brioche over fresh quince, peach and apricot with an underlying oral character and high-toned cinnamon spice with hints of lime leaf. A balanced palate with weight, power, a velvety texture and a long persistent pure acidity. With weight and complexity characteristic both of the terroir and vintage. A long after taste with a light touch of citric acidity bringing together a wine of undeniable majesty. Already drinking well now and will continue to improve over the medium term.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Champagne
- Winemaker: Damien Cambres
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- Dosage: 7 g/l
- Sizes Available: 750ml, 1.5L
- Pack Size: 6/750ml, 3/1.5L
- Varietals: Proprietary secret
Recent Press
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Score: 94 Points
Vinous Author: Antonio Galloni
Date: Friday, November 20, 2020"The 2009 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is a heady, explosive Champagne. Ample and deep, the Churchill is so expressive today. Apricot, tangerine oil, mint, baked apple tart and spice all flesh out. I would give the 2009 at least a year or two in bottle, as it is a bit tight at this stage. Even so, time in the glass brings out a feeling of raw power that is impossible to miss." -
Score: 97 Points
Wine Enthusiast Author: Roger Voss
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2020"As always, this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne is a great wine. In this vintage, it is fuller than usual, perhaps less structured—a true reflection of the vintage. Like all releases of this cuvée, the wine will age magnificently. Drink now or hold for at least 10 years to get full maturity."Grade: Cellar Selection -
Score: 95 Points
Wine Spectator Insider Author: Alison Napjus
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2020"A seamless Champagne, lithe with fresh, finely knit acidity, and showing beautiful integration, with a rich vein of smoky minerality underscoring flavors of black cherry, toast, preserved lemon and pickled ginger. There's power and focus here, but this bubbly highlights the grace and accessibility that 2009 can offer even on release. Drink now through 2034."
