Pol Roger Brut Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2013 1.5L

99 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2021 and 2023 in France; predominantly pinot noir [more than 60%], as Winston Churchill was a pinot drinker, the balance chardonnay, all from grand cru villages under vine at the time of Churchill; cold settled at 6 degrees C; fermented below 18 degrees C; full malolactic fermentation; secondary fermentation in the lowest part of the cellars; aged almost 10 years on lees; disgorged July 2021; cork). The elegance and coiled, understated purity of 2013 finds a wonderfully exact accord with the restrained mood of Pol Roger. Pinot noir of glorious, pinpoint precision leads with fantastic purity of raspberry and red cherry fruits, dancing rose petal aromatics and understated spice. Chardonnay supports with exacting determination and sensational chalk mineral detail of crystalline finesse, like a fireworks trail set against an impenetrable firmament. These two grapes embrace and intertwine with effortless harmony and sensational freshness. Magnificent morello cherry acidity is set to a score of sensational chalk mineral texture that signs the most lauded grand crus. In line and length it hovers with undeviating precision and effortless, lighter-than-air gracefulness. The finest Sir Winston since the legendary 2008. (Edition VII; 2024)"

98 points Wine Enthusiast: "Although ready to drink, this very fine Champagne has plenty of aging to go. With its rich Pinot Noir and ripe fruits, it is generous while also fully textured. Complex and balanced, mature fruit and toast working together, this is a great wine. Alcohol 12.5%. (Dec 2022)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2013 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is fabulous. Rich and remarkably pure, the 2013 is super- expressive right out of the gate. Bright saline notes cut through a core of lemon confit, dried flowers, apricot, tangerine peel, mint and sage. As compelling as the 2013 is, it really needs more time to open a bit. There is a feeling of transparency here that is so alluring. The 2013 is a terrific example of power with no excess weight in Champagne. I loved it. Disgorged: July 2021. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. (Mar 2022)"

97 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2013 Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut, composed of 95% Pinot Noir, is the 20th release of this cuvée, and this version is robust, classic, and noble in its expression. The color is a medium straw, and the aromas are complex and compelling, with smoke, graham biscuit, currant, and orange marmalade. It has immediate appeal and charm. The palate is structured, yet refreshing, and savory with grip and an energetic citrus that doesn’t seem to taper. Drink 2024-2044. (11/7/22)"

97 points James Suckling: "Complex and subtle aromas of dried ginger, pie crust, cooked apple and cooked peach follow through to a full body with ginseng, toasted bread and dried apple. Very fine and multidimensional. Great wine. Drink now. (7/6/22)"

96 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 2013 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill has turned out especially well, wafting from the glass with aromas of orange oil, confit lemon and crisp golden orchard fruit, complemented by subtle hints of brioche and clear honey. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and seamless, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and a beautifully refined mousse, this is an elegant, penetrating rendition of Churchill that stands out for its charm and effortlessness. Drink: 2021-2045. (Mar 2022)"

96 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Sir Winston Churchill 2013 calls for patience. The wine, too tight for the moment, must relax; we have no worries about that. (2023)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$400/750ml list] An expressive Champagne, with ripe and juicy pineapple, cassis and apricot fruit flavors married to notes of brioche, saline, lemon curd and honeysuckle. Backed by a spine of fresh acidity, this is well-cut and harmonious, with the fine and creamy mousse carrying the flavor range on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2035. (4/6/22)"

94 points Tom Hewson (TimAtkin.com): "The 20th edition of this cuvée, heavily Pinot Noir dominant with around 20% Chardonnay added. Grand Cru villages only. July 21 disgorgement. There's an interesting dichotomy here, between the decadent orange cream, almost cheesecake-like richness of the style and the innate tension and coolness of the vintage. Plenty of soft dried apricot and berry pastries, enriched with coffee grounds, praline and amaretto. Broad, yet narrowing with a pleasing lemon marmalade tang on the finish. Complex and dynamic, this requires a little patience in the cellar. (Dec 2022)"

Tom Stevenson calls Pol Roger's Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill "one of the greatest prestige cuvées of modern times." It is only released in exceptional vintages, and in fact Pol Roger produces Vintage Champagnes more frequently than the Churchill.