Over 170 years, and across six generations of the Roger family, Champagne Pol Roger is rightfully regarded as an icon of world-class Champagne. Located on the historic and noble Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, the Pol Roger family has amassed an envious combination of 92 hectares of spectacular estate plots and long-standing grower relationships across the entirety of the region. 

This 2016 vintage Brut holds to the traditional house blend of 60% pinot noir, and 40% chardonnay – sourced from 20 different Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards throughout the Côte des Blancs. A long and cool primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with each grape and plot vinified separately, and then allowed to undergo a full malolactic secondary fermentation prior to blending. From there, the wine is bottled and kept deep in the cellars of Pol Roger, over a hundred feet beneath the street level, for over six years on the lees. Before disgorgement, the bottles are still turned by hand during riddling – an impressive feat when you consider the size of the Pol Roger cellar! 

In the glass, you are in for a treat – one that is unquestionably deserving of its double 95-point scores (and a proper wine glass to serve it in!). Aromas of almond blossoms and mandarin orange, with toasty brioche, coconut, and vanilla characteristics leading the way, with profound and beguiling flavors of raspberries, Mirabelle plums, rose petals, and cool river rocks flowing soon after. A bright and energetic finish gets a touch of warmth from hints of candied ginger and orange peel, but in the end, it is the length and structure that truly impresses. This is a bottle built to last – and as delectably complex as it stands today – the future is brighter still. Get this for a special occasion, or simply make this the occasion itself… whichever you choose, I assure you, your happiness is guaranteed!