The 2004 Vintage Edition Vinothèque from Champagne Pol Roger is an absolute rarity, a journey into the memory of a legendary House. Unveiled on the occasion of the brand's 175th anniversary, this limited edition, presented in a luxurious wooden case, offers a second life to a vintage of perfect classicism. Carefully stored in the depths of the Epernay cellars, these bottles have benefited from prolonged aging, developing an exceptional aromatic patina combining cocoa and candied fruit. This is a champagne for meditation and haute cuisine, testifying to the excellence of Champagne's expertise in the art of long aging.
The production of Pol Roger Vintage 2004 Vinothèque
The blend of this vintage is based on the House's traditional balance: 60% Pinot Noir for structure and body, and 40% Chardonnay for elegance and finesse. The production of this Vinothèque cuvée follows a rigorous selection process. Only grapes with exceptional aging potential were selected to make this wine, designed from the outset to last for decades. The long rest in the cellar, well beyond the usual standards, allowed for perfect integration of the components, transforming the initial freshness into a fascinating tertiary complexity.
The Terroir
The grapes come exclusively from 20 Grands and Premiers Crus located in the historic terroirs of the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. This diversity of supply allows Pol Roger to compose a complete "photograph" of northern Champagne. Pinot Noir, grown on chalky and limestone soils, provides the structure necessary for aging, while Chardonnay, grown on exposed hillsides, guarantees the liveliness that carries the wine over time.
Vinification
Technical rigor is Pol Roger's hallmark. After gentle pressing, the must undergoes double settling (in the press and then cold in the vat), ensuring absolute purity of the juice before fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at low temperature in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, thus preserving the primary freshness of the fruit. Malolactic fermentation is carried out on all wines to bring roundness and suppleness. The key to this cuvée lies in its aging: after secondary fermentation in the deepest cellars of Epernay (33 meters), the bottles were riddled by hand before disgorging, then returned to the cellar for further aging, protected by their wooden cases, thus refining their bouquet without disturbance.
The 2004 vintage
The year 2004 marked a return to classic Champagne after the excessive heat of 2003. This vintage was characterized by a growing season without any major problems, resulting in an abundant harvest of impeccable quality. For Pol Roger, 2004 is synonymous with balance and generosity. It was a year that produced wines that are both structured and fresh, with the acidity necessary to withstand extended aging of twenty years, as evidenced by this Vinothèque Edition.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is an intense, brilliant golden yellow, a sign of its maturity. The effervescence, shaped by the House's cold cellars, remains fine and delicate.
Nose
The nose is remarkably concentrated. It opens with deep aromas of candied fruit and cocoa, underscored by notes of mocha. Aeration reveals a delicious pastry-like complexity, evoking dulce de leche and fine confectionery.
Palate
On the palate, the wine imposes a full-bodied presence and an assertive vinosity. The texture is enveloping, marked by flavors ofcandied citrus (orange, lemon) and a touch of honey. The finish is broad, generous, and persistent, signaling a great wine for aging.
Food pairing suggestions
- Foie gras on brioche
- Lobster ravioli
- Pan-fried porcini mushrooms
- Veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms
- Poularde with cream
- Stuffed capon
- 24-month aged Comté cheese
- Praline Dessert
- Paris-Brest
Storage and serving recommendations
How to store this champagne?
This exceptional bottle is delivered in a wooden case that provides initial protection from light. It must be stored horizontally in a cool (10-12°C), dark cellar free from vibrations. Having already undergone a long aging process in the Pol Roger cellars, this wine is at an advanced stage of balance and requires rigorous storage conditions to maintain its fullness.
Aging potential
The 2004 Vintage Vinothèque Edition was disgorged at optimal maturity to offer an immediate experience of complexity. However, its structure allows it to be kept for a few more years. It will be at its peak today and could develop even more tertiary notes (roasted, undergrowth) until 2028-2030 if stored perfectly.
Serving suggestions
To appreciate the richness of this vintage, serve it at a temperature of 10 to 12°C. Avoid excessive cold, which would "break" its aromas of cocoa and candied fruit. A full white wine glass is preferable to a narrow flute to allow the complex bouquet to unfold.
Anecdote about this cuvée
This "Vinothèque" edition was specially designed to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Maison Pol Roger in 2024. The bottles feature hand-applied labels inspired by the brand's historic labels, paying tribute to nearly two centuries of family history. The fact that these bottles were "returned to the cellar" after their initial disgorging is a rarity: it allows the wine to heal and develop a patina that only post-disgorging time can offer.
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