Pol Roger Vintage 2000

Established in Epernay over 160 years ago, this maison is considered the smallest of the major champagne brands and remains entirely in family hands today, overcoming important trade winds encountered along the way, catapulted to fame, particularly on the Anglo Saxon market, even becoming official suppliers to the British Royal Family. With some 87 hectares, Pol Roger controls vineyards in the Marne Valley, the Cote de Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, Champagne’s magic triangle. Pol Roger is one of the eleven unique wine families who make up the Familiae Primum Vini (PFV) association.

Appearance

Golden yellow with very fine bubbles.

Nose

Clean, with distinct aromas of white flowers, baked green apple and candy. Salient notes of brioche, ripe red peach and malted cereal.

Palate

Creamy, medium bodied. Good structure on the palate leaving clean, slightly mineral, flavours. Excellent finish.

Comment

This superb Brut champagne, from the glorious 2002 vintage, which many claim to be the best since 1990, matches the style of a single vintage year which champagne houses traditionally only release when the harvest deserves it. It maintains the Pol Roger trademark higher proportion of Pinot Noir to Chardonnay and undergoes a longer ageing period in bottle than usual for the brand, nearly ten years. It was released just twelve months ago and it has truly been worth the wait. It has more muscle than its Blanc de Blancs brother and caters to a different market. Somewhat shy at first, we consider it a very successful example of a vintage champagne, which will develop very well in the next ten years offering unbeatable value for money. It would be great if you could experience this champagne with some spicier dishes. Perhaps with fine Indian cuisine?