2016 Pol Roger Vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne

Very cool and bright, this shows aromas of grapefruit, candied lemons, sliced pears and fresh croissants. It's racy on the palate, with lively acidity and very fresh citrus fruit flavors. Vivid, but also silky in texture. Grand cru chardonnay from Cote des Blancs. Disgorged 2024. Drink now or hold.

95 points James Suckling

The 2016 Blanc de Blancs is one of the hidden highlights in the Pol Roger range. Airy and lifted in the glass, it graces the palate with lovely orchard fruit and floral character. This classy Blanc de Blancs has a lot to offer. 

93 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous May 2026

Pol Roger has been one of Champagne’s great family houses since 1849, remaining independent through six generations while many of its peers became part of larger groups. Based in Épernay, the house is famous for its long, cool cellar ageing and beautifully composed style. Its association with Sir Winston Churchill may grab the headlines, but Blanc de Blancs is another fascinating part of the story, made only in selected vintages and in comparatively small quantities.

Made entirely from Chardonnay sourced from Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, the 2016 spent years ageing on lees deep beneath Épernay before release. The vintage produced Chardonnay with excellent freshness and definition, making it particularly well suited to extended maturation. There is richness here, but the real attraction is the combination of mature complexity, chalky structure and bright citrus energy.

Pale gold with a fine, persistent bead. Lemon curd, white peach and crisp pear mingle with grapefruit, acacia and freshly baked brioche, followed by toasted almond, hazelnut and a touch of honey. The palate is creamy and finely textured yet beautifully fresh, with citrus and orchard fruit running through chalk, pastry and roasted nuts. A saline edge keeps everything lively before a long finish of lemon, almond and gentle toast.

Freshly shucked oysters are an obvious starting point, but lobster with lemon butter, seared scallops, crab and Gruyère tart or tempura prawns would make considerably more of an occasion of it. It also has enough maturity and depth to stay at the table well beyond the first course, which is precisely where serious vintage Champagne gets interesting.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040.