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Sir Winston Churchill was Pol Roger's most illustrious devotee and customer. This Champagne is made in his honour. Churchill's relationship with Pol Roger dates back to 1945, although he had been a loyal customer as far back as 1908. At a luncheon given by the British ambassador to France after the liberation of Paris, Churchill met the charming and captivating Odette Pol-Roger and began a friendship, indulged by his wife Clementine, which lasted until Sir Winston's death in 1965. Each year on his birthday, Odette would send him a case of vintage champagne.
In honour of his friendship, Churchill named one of his favourite racehorses after her, and made sure that she was invited to lunch at the British embassy every time he was in Paris. Despite never actually visiting 44 Avenue de Champagne, Churchill proclaimed it "the most drinkable address in the world". So close was his relationship with the family that, on Churchill's death, Pol Roger put black-bordered labels on the bottles destined for the UK. In 1975, Pol Roger went one step further and named their prestige cuvée after him, making it in the robust, mature style that he liked so much.
The grapes are all from Grand Cru vineyards which were under vine during Churchill’s lifetime and it is only made in the very best vintages. It is made in a style which Churchill himself favoured: robust, mature and long-lived.
The first “Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill” was from the 1975 vintage and was released, in magnum only in 1984 with the launch taking place at Blenheim Palace. There followed 1979, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998,1999 and 2000.
Vintage 2002, is the fourteenth of this great cuvée and is released only after 11 years of cellaring.
Tasting Notes :
This wine displays an intense golden-yellow hue and a lively stream of defined bubbles. Upon initial impression, the nose reveals aromas of freshly squeezed lime and some autolytic development. As the wine evolves, complex aromas of lightly toasted brioche coupled with raisins and candied fruit become apparent.
The enticing aromas expressed on the nose are reinforced on the palate; boasting a powerful, rich structure, yet well-balanced with intensely flavourful notes of honey and citrus, lending a refreshing acidity.
The finish shows a remarkable length, typical of the 2002 wines, as well as being both rich and full-bodied.
Food Pairing:
Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 2002 has the poise and elegance to be enjoyed on its own, it is also the perfect partner to Lamb and Game dishes.
Technical Characteristics:
The exact composition of this Cuvée is a family secret but it is likely that Pinot Noir dominates 70-80% of the blend with the rest being Chardonnay.
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