Champagne Pol Roger Brut 2018

“Medium lemon yellow. Aromas of ripe pear, white peach and yellow apple, accompanied by subtle hints of shortbread and almond paste. On the palate, a silky mousse, subtle tart notes of lime zest, nuances of red fruit and pepper on the refreshing, saline-mineral finish. Already a great pleasure to drink with definite ageing potential.”

“Made from 60% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay and pouring a vibrant silver/yellow color, the 2018 Champagne Brut Vintage (like all these wines) was aged in stainless steel without any oak. In the glass, it opens to springy and dewy floral aromas of honeydew melon, fresh flowers, citrus blossoms, and pastry dough. Medium-bodied and inviting, it’s approachable now and takes on a more mineral character on the palate without ever feeling austere. All its components move seamlessly through the palate, with a refined mousse and a kiss of sunny feel on the finish nodding to the warmth of the vintage, but it’s clean and refined all the way through. This is going to improve with age, but it’s quite enjoyable now. Drink over the coming 15 or so years. It was made exclusively from Premier Cru and Grand Cru villages, was aged for 6 years on the lees, and saw 7-8 grams per liter dosage.”

“I like the berry fruit aromas mingling with bread crust, grapefruit and lemon pastries. It's lively on the palate, with excellent structure and a bright wild-berry character. Clean and nicely focused. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. Disgorged 2024. Drink or hold.”

“From a year marked by above-average maturity—at least as of this writing—and a relatively early harvest that began on August 20th, Pol Roger’s 2018 Brut Vintage, disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of seven grams per liter, offers a generous and expressive interpretation of this cuvée. Aromatically, it unfurls from the glass with notes of pear, peach, orange zest and pastry, with a touch of exotic fruit. On the palate, it is full-bodied, muscular and textural, with a core of rich, sweet fruit supported by succulent yet vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, enveloping finish. Stylistically, the 2018 vintage aligns more closely with the gourmand profiles of 2015 and 2012 rather than the more tensile 2016 or 2013. The cuvée is composed of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.”

“The 2018 Brut Vintage is absolutely delicious, just as it was last year. Floral and citrus notes give the 2018 lovely aromatic lift to play off its mid-weight personality. This is a classy, polished Vintage Champagne marked by notable brightness. Airy, elegant and silky in feel, the 2018 is an absolute delight.”

“This sleek, mineral-driven Champagne has a lacy mousse and a smoky underpinning, with Meyer lemon peel–infused acidity driving an appealing range of flavors, including nectarine, macerated raspberry, saffron and crystallized honey, plus a touch of toasted brioche. Long and lively on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2035. 500 cases imported.”