2013 Champagne Pol Roger, Sir Winston Churchill, Brut

In March 2022, Pol Roger released the 2013 vintage of its iconic cuvée, Sir Winston Churchill. First launched at Blenheim Palace in 1984 with the 1975 vintage (which was released in magnums only, a decade after the death of the great man), this 2013 is the 20th release. Pol Roger does not divulge the blends of its cuvées, but we know that this one is predominantly composed of Pinot Noir, plus a touch of Chardonnay, both sourced from grands crus villages. We also know the dosage: 7 g/L. While the 2013 vintage was catastrophic in France, Champagne is doing well, especially the Chardonnays. Budbreak was later than usual, and the weather was cool and rainy until June. Fortunately, the summer was hot, sunny and dry until the first days of September. Rain returned on September 10 and brought significant attacks of grey rot, which affected the vineyards. The 2013 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill has an elegant yet refined bouquet of lemon, orchard fruit and spring flowers, intertwined with pure notes of brioche and pastry. The palate is crystalline, with racy acids and an elegant, penetrating finish. There is a lively touch of mint. This is a particularly delicate and tense iteration of the cuvée. Very charming.Drink 2022 - 2045Yohan Castaing, Decanter.com (Mar 2022)

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.Drink 2021 - 2045William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Mar 2022)

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.james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (Jun 2022)