2008 Pol Roger Cuvee Winston Churchill
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Tasting notes
t's interesting to consider how some 2008s have just arrived at their peak drinkability and others, such as this one, are still years away from arriving at that sweet spot. A restrained, even grudging, nose is at pains to reveal an intensely citrus-suffused nose of just sliced Granny Smith apple, yeast, iodine, petrol and anise nuances. The palate impression of the medium weight flavors is equally backward and tightly wound and while there is excellent cut and vibrancy, along with impressive power on the very dry finish. It seems that the pinot influence is a bit more pronounced in the 2008 as this is definitely a tautly muscular wine yet perhaps not quite as robust as it usually is. Sleek but powerful might be an apt description but either way, this is nowhere near ready. Fantastic potential.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill continues to stand out as the finest rendition of this bottling released in the last 10 years. Just beginning to enter its early drinking window, it wafts from the glass with aromas of ripe apple, confit citrus and mirabelle plum mingled with notions of sweet spices, honeycomb, dried fruits and crème brûlée. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's layered and complete, with a racy spine of acidity and a long, penetrating finish.
Magnum. Compared with the 2013, 2012 and 2009, this is the most closed. Smoke and toast, yes, but the primary fruit is restrained and taut. Dry, almost tart finish. I might have assumed this was a much younger vintage. Just very slow to evolve, perhaps? (RH)
Magnum. Compared with the 2013, 2012 and 2009, this is the most closed. Smoke and toast, yes, but the primary fruit is restrained and taut. Dry, almost tart finish. I might have assumed this was a much younger vintage. Just very slow to evolve, perhaps? (RH)
About the producer
Pol Roger is one of Champagne’s most respected Grandes Marques. While it is best known undoubtedly for its prestige cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, it also produces one of the finest non-vintage bottlings on the market.