Pol Roger's Vinothèque Sir Winston Churchill 2002 is an absolute rarity, released late to offer the ultimate experience of this legendary vintage. Presented in a luxurious wooden case, this "Vinothèque" edition reflects prolonged aging in the deep cellars of Epernay, revealing exceptional aromatic complexity. Designed to satisfy the statesman's taste for full-bodied, mature wines, this champagne combines the power of Pinot Noir with the nobility of an exceptional 2002 vintage. It is a wine for meditation and haute cuisine, a collector's item at the peak of its expression.
The production of the 2002 Sir Winston Churchill Vinothèque Cuvée
The exact composition of this cuvée is a closely guarded secret of the Pol Roger family. Nevertheless, the blend is dominated by Pinot Noir for structure and robustness, complemented by Chardonnay for elegance, all sourced exclusively from Grands Crus. The specificity of this Vinothèque edition lies in its maturation process: the bottles have benefited from a much longer aging on lees than the original version, followed by a recent disgorging. This prolonged maturation in the darkness of the cellars, 33 meters underground, gives the wine a creamy texture and a paradoxical freshness despite its venerable age.
The Terroir
The grapes come from the House's historic vineyards, located on the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. These Grand Cru plots were the same ones that existed during Sir Winston Churchill's lifetime, ensuring fidelity to the style he loved. The selection process is rigorous, retaining only old vines capable of producing grapes with sufficient concentration and acidity to withstand the passage of time.
Vinification
Pol Roger remains faithful to vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, refusing to use wood for fermentation in order to preserve the purity of the fruit. A double sedimentation (settling) ensures the clarity of the juices before fermentation begins. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in its entirety to round out the structure.
The 2002 vintage
2002 is unanimously recognized as one of the greatest vintages of the early 21st century in Champagne. The year was characterized by a warm but not excessive summer, followed by a sunny and dry September, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and perfectly. The 2002 wines are distinguished by a masterful balance between natural alcoholic richness and vibrant acidity, the ideal combination for very long aging. In this Vinothèque version, the potential of the vintage is pushed to its peak.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is a deep, brilliant old gold, with an extremely fine effervescence, softened by time.
Nose
The nose is a monument to complexity. It opens with rich notes of toasted brioche, acacia honey, and dried fruit (hazelnut, almond). With aeration, more refined nuances of roasting, mocha, and undergrowth appear, signaling the nobility of the evolution.
Palate
On the palate, the wine imposes its presence with a full-bodied and robust attack. The texture is silky, almost oily, supported by a powerful vinous structure. The finish is endless, blending the freshness of candied citrus fruits with spicy and mineral touches.
Food pairing suggestions
- Pan-fried foie gras
- Scrambled eggs with truffles
- Lobster ravioli
- Veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms
- Bresse chicken with cream sauce
- Capon stuffed with chestnuts
- 36-month aged Comté
- Parmesan Reggiano
- Aged Gouda
Storage and serving tips
How should this champagne be stored?
This exceptional bottle, protected by its wooden case, is designed for very long storage. It should be stored horizontally in a dark, cool cellar (40-54°F) free from vibrations. Stable conditions are essential to maintain the balance of this late-disgorged wine.
Aging potential
The Vinothèque collection is delivered at an advanced but perfect stage of maturity. However, the structure of the 2002 vintage still allows for positive development. This wine can be stored and gain tertiary notes (cocoa, blond tobacco) for another 10 to 15 years, or even longer for lovers of aged champagnes.
Serving suggestions
Serve this great wine at a temperature of 54 to 57°F. A temperature that is too low would break down its structure and mask its complexity. A large white wine glass is essential to allow the bouquet to develop. It is recommended to open the bottle 15 to 30 minutes before tasting.
Anecdote about this cuvée
This cuvée was created in tribute to Sir Winston Churchill, a loyal customer and friend of the Pol Roger family, who described his taste for champagne as follows: "My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best." He demanded a robust, full-bodied and mature wine. The Vinothèque edition takes this tribute to its peak by offering the extra aging time that the statesman particularly favored for his old vintages.
