Pol Roger Brut Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2004

98 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(Predominantly pinot noir [more than 60%], as Winston Churchill was a pinot drinker, the balance chardonnay, all from grand cru vineyards under vine at the time of Churchill; full malolactic fermentation; secondary fermentation in the lowest part of the cellars; aged almost 10 years on lees). Sir Winston is looking particularly dignified and refined in 2004. I have adored this vintage since the glorious day of its release four years ago, and I am absolutely astonished by the pristine poise it has upheld today, at a full 15  years of age. The precision engineering of every detail of Pol Roger and the slow-motion evolution of its deep, cold cellars have long defined profound longevity, but only now are the full blessings of Pol’s investments in its fruit and facilities becoming fully apparent. It’s a marvellous juxtaposition between the bright, elegant refinement of classic Sir Winston demeanour and grand layers of complexity. It leads with the rhythm of pinot noir in layers of black cherries, strawberries and spice, gaining momentum in fruit mince spice and dark fruit cake. Entrancing freshness cascades into a torrent of impeccably refined acidity, swirling into a river of minerality that flows deep and swift all the way to the distant horizon. Effortless grace and youthful vigour lurk under that distinguished exterior. (2020-2021)"

98 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Pol was Churchill's house Champagne. It is predominantly pinot noir (no meunier), and all the vineyards are Grand Cru and in bearing in Churchill's lifetime. The wine has slippery acidity and literally soars with its amazing concentration and complexity, the length and aftertaste second to none other than Krug."

97 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$305 list] Following on from the great 2002 vintage of this wine, the 2004 is equally memorable. It is a magnificent wine, structured and beautifully balanced between the ripe white fruits and the tight texture that will allow it to age many years. While drinkable now, it is still young at 11 years, still with great potential. Drink now, until 2024, and probably beyond. (Dec 2015)"

97 points Falstaff: "Bright golden yellow, fine bead, persistent mousse. Fine biscuity touch, a hint of honey, notes reminiscent of dried fruits and figs and almond croquant, finely matured bouquet. Pithy, fine yellow peach nuances, creamy texture, lively structure with lime undertones of blossom honey, pleasantly expressive. Minerality and length on the finish. (11/25/16)"

97 points (18.5/20)/'Le Coup de Coeur de l'Annéee,' La Revue du Vin de France: "Once again, this prestige cuvée stands out as a benchmark. While the 2004 lacks the extreme depth of the 2002, its volume and creaminess on the palate make it irresistible! (2017)"

95+ points Stephen Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "An intense golden-yellow color dresses the Pol Roger prestige cuvée 2004 Sir Winston Churchill, which opens with a clear, deep, dense, ripe, fresh, pure and elegant bouquet of matured apples, apricots and lemon flavors along with exciting spicy flavors. Although this Brut is already more than 11-years-old, it is dew-fresh and still developing--slowly. This Champagne is highly complex and well structured on the palate, with grapefruit flavors; it is a full-bodied and intense, yet very firm, persistent, fresh and very elegant assemblage of unnamed Grand Cru Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. It reveals a very long and complex, powerful but stimulating finish, and obviously, an eternal youth. The finish is powerful and stringent, and reveals a great, great aging potential. The wine is somewhat restrained and too compact at the moment though, and should benefit from a longer bottle aging. Drink: 2017-2026. (Mar 2016)"

95 points James Suckling: "This has trademark richness, power and complexity with a layer of spiced grilled hazelnuts and brown-mushroom aromas set across lemon, grapefruit and dried-red fruits. The palate has a full, pastry-like texture showing bold flavors and an assertively fleshy cherry and peach core. The tannins are smooth and ripe, carrying the finish long. This is framed up for further enrichment. Plenty to offer now but best from 2020 and a decade after that still. (10/7/16)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$305 list] There’s a subtle richness to this creamy Champagne, folded into a fresh, elegant frame. Shows layers of crème de cassis, toast and pastry cream. Drink now through 2027. (8/31/16)"

*** Peter Liem (ChampagneGuide.net): "The 2002 Winston Churchill was rightly hailed as a classic, but that shouldn’t take anything away from the outstanding 2004, which is no less of a wine. In fact, I think the style of the cuvée is complemented by that of 2004, where the natural buoyancy and elegance of the vintage contrasts the richness and power of the wine. With its red-fruit flavors and ample girth, this is clearly dominated by pinot noir, yet it also shows a great deal of finesse and poise, and its finish in particular is superb, with long, mouthfilling aromas and a subtle, nuanced complexity. It’s delightful to drink as is, but it should become even more compelling with another five to ten years of post-disgorgement age. Last tasted: 11/15."