Founded by Pol Roger in 1849 and succeeded by his sons, Maurice and Georges. Now into the fourth generation with Christian Pol Roger and Cristian de Billy at the helm the house now owns around 85 hectares, mostly around Epernay including Grand Crus Cramant, Chouilly and Avize on the Cotes de Blancs and Ambonnay, Bouzy & Verzy on the Montagne de Reims. Generally Pinot dominant, the range of wines from the Non-Vintage cuvées through to the stellar Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill show consistency of house style and a pedigree that is the envy of many other grand marques.

The relationship between Champagne Pol Roger and Sir Winston Churchill dates back to a providential meeting at a luncheon given by the British Ambassador to France some months after the liberation of Paris at which was served the sumptuous 1928 vintage of Pol Roger. Attending the lunch was the beautiful Odette Pol-Roger as well as the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, with whom she struck up an instant rapport. A friendship was born which continued until Churchill’s death, creating links between the Pol-Roger and Churchill families which are still as strong to this day

Complex and subtle aromas of dried ginger, pie crust, cooked apple and cooked peach follow through to a full body with ginseng, toasted bread and dried apple. Very fine and multidimensional. Great wine. Drink now. Date: Aug 2022; Rating: 97 Points; James Suckling

The 2013 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is fabulous. Rich and remarkably pure, the 2013 is super- expressive right out of the gate. Bright saline notes cut through a core of lemon confit, dried flowers, apricot, tangerine peel, mint and sage. As compelling as the 2013 is, it really needs more time to open a bit. There is a feeling of transparency here that is so alluring. The 2013 is a terrific example of power with no excess weight in Champagne. I loved it. Disgorged: July 2021. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Drink 2027-2043. Rating: 97 Points; Antonio Galloni; Vinous

The 2013 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill has turned out especially well, wafting from the glass with aromas of orange oil, confit lemon and crisp golden orchard fruit, complemented by subtle hints of brioche and clear honey. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and seamless, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and a beautifully refined mousse, this is an elegant, penetrating rendition of Churchill that stands out for its charm and effortlessness. Date: Mar 2022; Drink 2021-2045; Rating: 96 Points; William Kelley; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

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. Date: Nov 2022; Price: $480.00; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 99 Points & Top 100 Wines for 2022; James Halliday Wine Companion