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

This is the 21st vintage of Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, for whom a personal cuvée of the best champagne was created, the details of the wine still secret. Widely believed to be over 60% pinot noir, the balance chardonnay, all grand crus. Its full-bodied generosity flows through the very long palate and finish. Date: Nov 2023; Price: $560.00; Rating: 98 Points & Top 100 Wines for 2023; James Halliday Wine Companion