POL ROGER WINSTON CHURCHILL 2009

Style: Champagne

The family-owned house has, in part thanks to the enthusiastic endorsement of Winston Churchill, for long been regarded with great generosity and indulgence on the British market; in size terms, it is just a little larger than Bollinger, but much smaller than regional giants such as Moet, Laurent-Perrier, or Lanson. Stylistically, its range is much lighter and more delicate than Bollinger, for example¿ [the Blanc de Blancs] is all it should be, full of early-flowering grace and vanilla charm, while the vintage wine has a fine track record for slow, steady ageing. The 'prestige' cuvée, named after the company's most famous customers, was only launched in the mid 1980s and requires age before it begins to show the surging intensity and grandeur of dimension of some of its rivals. ANDREW JEFFORD

The wine has an inviting, bright golden hue, and a fine, regular stream of bubbles.

At first the refined nose exudes subtle hints of brioche and sweet spice combining with citrus flavours and floral fragrances. As the wine warms in the glass, it becomes more powerful and the nose develops complex nuances of toasted nuts, acacia blossom and honeycomb. The palate is round and creamy supported by notes of fresh fruit.

The structure is opulent, underpinned by fabulous balance. The finish is long and powerful. POL ROGER

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Blend

ABV: 13.5%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.