2012 Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Gift Box, Champagne

Predominantly pinot noir (more than 60%), as Winston Churchill was a pinot drinker, the balance chardonnay, all from grand cru villages under vine at the time of Churchill; cold settled at 6ºC; fermented below 18ºC; full malolactic fermentation; secondary fermentation in the lowest part of the cellars (9ºC); aged almost 10 years on lees; cork.  

Intense aromas of strawberry and subtle apple with pie crust and some ash and stone. An almost smoky undertone to the aromas. Full-bodied and very layered with ultra fine tannins that give it a rough-cut, velvety texture. It’s very flavorful, yet so checked and reserved at the same time. Compact, tight palate that is deep and powerful. Very vinous at the end and in the mouth feel. Spicy and biscuity at the finish. Mostly pinot noir with chardonnay and only grand cru. More density and complexity than the 2008. Seven years on the lees. Delicious and luxurious to drink now, but giving this some age will make it even better.

98 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com

Pol Roger's newly released 2012 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is showing brilliantly, bursting from the glass with youthful aromas of honeyed pears, toasted brioche, pomelo, fresh pastry, green apple and mandarin orange, with hints of stone fruit emerging with time in the glass. Full-bodied, vinous and textural, with an enveloping core of fleshy, concentrated fruit, bright acids and an elegant pinpoint mousse, it concludes with a long, penetrating finish. More muscular and vibrant than the generous and charming 2009, the 2012 ranks alongside the 2008 and 2002 as one of the three finest renditions of Sir Winston Churchill this millennium—and in style it resembles a hypothetical blend of those two vintages.

Pol Roger releases the 2012 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill this week, so in the interests of timeliness, I'm publishing this tasting note in advance of a substantial Champagne report slated for later this month. In that report, readers can look forward to—inter alia—reviews of Pol Roger's other current releases. But in the meantime, this superb 2012 merits serious attention.

96+ points William Kelley robertparker.com

Few Champagnes carry quite the history and prestige of Pol Roger's Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill. Created in honour of the British statesman's enduring friendship with the Pol Roger family, this remarkable Champagne is produced only in exceptional vintages. The 2012 is a magnificent release from one of Champagne's finest recent harvests, combining richness, elegance and extraordinary ageing potential. Beautifully presented in its original gift box, it is a special bottle for collectors and memorable celebrations.

The blend is dominated by Pinot Noir, complemented by Chardonnay, with fruit sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards that were already established during Churchill's lifetime. The exceptional 2012 growing season produced concentrated fruit with vibrant acidity, providing the ideal foundation for a Champagne of remarkable depth and structure. Extended ageing in Pol Roger's cool cellars has developed wonderful complexity while preserving its youthful energy.

Brilliant golden straw with a fine, persistent bead. Ripe pear, baked apple and candied citrus mingle with toasted brioche, hazelnut and delicate spice. The palate is rich and beautifully textured, with creamy bubbles, concentrated orchard fruit and refreshing acidity. Notes of almond pastry, citrus oil and gentle savoury complexity carry through an exceptionally long, elegant finish.

A magnificent companion to butter poached lobster, roast turbot with beurre blanc or scallops with browned butter. Equally impressive with wild mushroom risotto or aged Comté.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2042+. The outstanding 2012 vintage has the concentration and structure to develop beautifully for decades.