Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018

Pol Roger Brut Vintage Champagne, France, 2018

Grapes: 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Chardonnay. Blend of 20 grands crus and premiers crus from a later-than-usual vintage, Full malolactic fermentation. Dosage 7g/l. Seven years' cellar ageing before release.

Producer Tasting Note:

The wine opens with a bright, elegant and charming nose which is distinctly Vintage Pol Roger in style. Alluring aromas of lemon peel, tarte au citron and freshly baked madeleines present themselves. With time in the glass, more savoury earth aromas such as roasted hazelnuts and marmalade develop, showcasing the many layers of complexity of this Champagne.

On the palate, the wine has a firm backbone of acidity, balanced with the characteristically rich, broad Pinot Noir for which Pol Roger is known. A wine to be enjoyed now, and over the next decade or longer.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"The 2018 Vintage is a very pretty, open-knit Champagne to drink now and over the next 10-15 years. In a vintage in which so many wines are on the lighter side, the 2018 is super-expressive, with lovely depth and impeccable balance. The 2018 can be enjoyed now, but I would prefer to cellar it for a year or two. Hints of pear, dried flowers, kirsch and mint are nicely layered on a spine of fruit and structure." 

93/100 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

"Pale lemon with a lively and persistent mousse and an attractive nose of Spring flowers, hawthorn and apple turnover, a hint of iodine too. Subtle and not thus far betraying the warmth of a generous vintage, the wine is composed yet incisive, fresh and yet profound, with orchard fruit and a citric cut shaping the palate, and notes of verbena and sourdough in support. Expertly crafted and forthright, without indulging to excess, the 2018 is poised and confident but far from brash and with a clear potential to evolve gracefully. The wine broadens beautifully with a little time in the glass, with hints of honey and biscuit evidenced, and will do so equally impressively in bottle over the next five years and beyond. I think this would score 93-95 points, the latter number reflecting how it will evolve and improve in the short to medium term." 

(93-95)/100 points, Simon Field MW, Decanter