Pol Roger Champagne Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1999

Pol Roger's prestige cuvée named for Sir Winston Churchill, from the 1999 vintage.

Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is made only in the finest vintages from Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards already under vine in Churchill's lifetime; Pinot Noir predominates, though the exact blend remains a family secret. The 1999, the cuvée's 21st vintage, was made in Pol Roger's 150th anniversary year and was the first from chef de cave Dominique Petit, finished with a low 5 g/L dosage. 1999 was widely seen as a middling Champagne year, yet Vinous rated this 94 points and singled it out as a standout for the vintage. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate (95 points) calls it "an especially rich, generous rendition" and, tasting it again in 2023, found it "drinking at its peak today." This is a bottle to open now rather than cellar further. 12.5% ABV, 750ml.