Pol Roger's Magnum Vintage 2004 Vinothèque Edition is a monumental collector's item, celebrating the history of an iconic family-owned champagne house. Presented in its majestic wooden case, this large 1.5-liter format offers a second lease of life to this balanced vintage, secretly stored for two decades in the deep cellars of Epernay. The protective effect of the magnum, coupled with prolonged aging on lees, reveals an unprecedented aromatic complexity, blending the freshness of candied citrus fruits with the patina of cocoa. It is the ultimate bottle for grand celebrations, combining the generosity of the container with the excellence of a wine that has reached its full potential.
The production of the Pol Roger Vintage 2004 Vinothèque Magnum
The blend of this vintage remains faithful to the Pol Roger signature, combining the power of 60% Pinot Noir with the elegance of 40% Chardonnay. For this Vinothèque Edition, the selection process was even more rigorous, retaining only those batches capable of withstanding prolonged aging. The magnum format is a key technical choice: it promotes a more harmonious development of the wine thanks to an optimal volume/air ratio, slowing down oxidative evolution. Returned to the cellar after disgorging for additional rest, these magnums have benefited from slow maturation, protected by the darkness and thermal stability of the chalk cellars.
The Terroir
The grapes selected for this cuvée come from 20 historic Grands and Premiers Crus in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. Pinot Noir draws its structure from the limestone soils of the Montagne, ensuring the longevity necessary for this special edition. Chardonnay, from the best hillsides of the Côte des Blancs, brings finesse and liveliness that, even after twenty years, continue to illuminate the tasting experience.
Vinification
The Pol Roger method favors purity and precision. After gentle pressing and rigorous double settling (in the press and cold), the musts ferment at low temperature in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The systematic malolactic fermentation of all the base wines brings a characteristic roundness that balances the natural acidity of the vintage. Aging is the key stage: secondary fermentation and maturation on lees take place 33 meters underground, in the coolest cellars of Epernay. Each magnum is manually riddled before being disgorged and dressed, then returned to the cellar in its wooden case to perfect its homogeneity.
The 2004 vintage
2004 is a "renaissance" vintage for Champagne, following the climatic excesses of 2003. The year was marked by mild and consistent weather, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and gradually. This calm weather gave rise to wines of remarkable balance, combining generous substance with intact structural freshness. In the long term, 2004 proved to be a very great vintage for aging, particularly in magnums, where it retains a vibrant energy two decades later.
The advantages of the magnum
With a capacity of 1.5 liters, the magnum is the ideal format for special occasions and fine dining, serving around 12 generous glasses. Beyond its conviviality, it is the ideal container for aging: the larger volume of wine reduces the impact of oxygen, giving the champagne greater freshness and complexity than a classic bottle. In this format, the 2004 Vintage Vinothèque expresses a creamier texture and an even more mellow aromatic palette.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is a deep, brilliant yellow gold. In this large format, the effervescence is particularly fine and creamy, forming a persistent cordon.
Nose
The nose impresses with its concentration and nobility. Aromas of candied fruit and cocoa dominate, nuanced by hints of mocha. Aeration releases pastry notes of dulce de leche and confectionery, typical of a slow and controlled evolution.
Palate
The attack on the palate is full-bodied and majestic. The vinosity of the vintage is perfectly integrated, carried by flavors ofcandied citrus (lemon, bitter orange) and honey. The finish is long, broad, and generous, marking a wine of great class.
Food pairing suggestions
- Foie gras on brioche
- Scallop carpaccio
- Scrambled eggs with truffles
- Veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms
- Bresse chicken with cream sauce
- Lobster Thermidor
- Paris-Brest
- 30-month aged Comté cheese
- Chocolate-hazelnut dessert
Storage and serving recommendations
How should this champagne be stored?
The magnum is the ideal size for storage, and the wooden case provides essential additional protection. Store this bottle lying down in a cool (10-12°C), dark cellar free from vibrations. Storage conditions must be perfect in order to respect the work of time accomplished in the House's cellars.
Aging potential
Thanks to the magnum format, which slows down the aging process, this 2004 Vinothèque Edition has greater aging potential than the standard bottle. Now perfectly mature, this wine will continue to improve and gain tertiary complexity (roasted notes, undergrowth) until 2030-2035. It is a wine of "eternity," made to stand the test of time.
Serving suggestions
Serve this magnum at a temperature of 10 to 12°C so as not to overwhelm its rich aromatic palette. The size of the bottle requires careful handling when serving. Choose large white wine glasses to allow the wine to breathe and reveal its notes of cocoa and candied fruit.
Anecdote about this cuvée
This Vinothèque cuvée is part of Pol Roger's 175th anniversary celebrations. To mark the occasion, the House has brought out these magnums that were sleeping in its secret cellars, the "vinothèques." The hand-applied labeling, inspired by vintage labels, and the individual wooden crates emphasize the artisanal and historical character of this oenological resurrection.
Opinion of thewine guides