NV Pol Roger Brut Reserve, Champagne, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

Pol Roger Brut Rserve diplays a beautiful golden straw coloured hue, as well as abundant and fine bubbles. With a powerful and attractive nose, it first delivers aromas of fruit (pear, mango …) and then releases light flavours of honeysuckle and white jasmine, lingering on vanilla and brioche notes. Behind a frank and dynamic attack, the wine encompasses a nice harmony and a pleasant freshness, whilst preserving some structure. On the palate, flavours of cooked fruit (quince jelly, apricot jam) happily mingle with fragrances of beeswax and acacia honey. The long-lasting aromas, composed of both fruity (candied orange peel, tangerine…) and spicy notes (cardamom, anis) is outstanding.

TASTING NOTES:

Fresh Amalfi lemons, pear skins, apples, rhubarb and hints of anise on the nose. Excellent depth and flavor concentration here, with a medium body and creamy bubbles. Fruit and spice deliciously integrated.
– James Suckling, 92 pts.
An expressive Champagne, with a pure beam of ripe black currant fruit enlivened by vivacious acidity. Harmonious and satiny in texture, with accents of star anise, pickled ginger, toast and preserved lemon echoing on the finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2026.
– Wine Spectator, 92 pts.
This is the nonvintage cuve from this producer. It is in a rich style, with a high proportion of Pinot Noir, very much the house style. This bottling is fresh and hinting at maturity. Drink now.

– Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts.

The latest rendition of Pol Rogers NV Brut Rserve is based on the 2021 vintage and includes 30% reserve wines from the 2020, 2019 and 2018 vintages. Disgorged in October 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, the wine bursts from the glass with an expressive bouquet of crisp pear, orange zest, ripe peach and delicate pastry notes. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, with a vibrant core of fruit and admirable balance, despite what might sound like a relatively generous dosage. It is infused with bright acidity and culminates in a persistent, saline finish. Composed in equal parts of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this cuve is immediately appealing upon release yet possesses the structure to reward several years of cellaring, revealing the charm of a finely matured Champagne.

– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 91 pts.

Equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut has the 2019 vintage as its base, with 25% reserve wine. It pours a bright silver straw hue and is fresh on opening, with a floral perfume of white flowers, fresh pear, and fresh almond. Medium-bodied, its attractive and approachable, with juicy peach fruit that fills the palate, although it stays refined, with a pinpoint mousse and a clean finish. It is a lovely entry to the range to enjoy now or over the next 6-8 years, and I love this as an aperitif style. 8 grams per liter of dosage.

– Jeb Dunnuck, 91 pts.