Pol Roger Champagne Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1998

Pol Roger's prestige cuvée named for its most famous customer, from the 1998 vintage.

Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is made only in the best years, solely from Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards already in production during Churchill's lifetime, in the full-bodied, Pinot Noir-led style he loved. The house has never disclosed the exact blend. The 1998 was aged at length on its lees in Pol Roger's 33-metre-deep cellars in Épernay before disgorgement. Set beside the more powerful 2002, 1998 is a vintage of balance and finesse, held together by a refreshing spine of acidity. Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com (98 points) calls it "elegant and refined all the way through," with preserved grapefruit, pastry cream, Mirabelle plum and frangipane, and says it is aging beautifully. Tasting in late 2024, she suggested drinking it over the following 10 to 15 years. 12% ABV, 750ml.