Pol Roger : Brut Vintage 2018

Pol Roger's 2018 vintage is already showing many of the year's fine facets on release, open and giving in style with roasted pear, ripe apricot and grapefruit skin, lightly creamy and developing richness in pecan and brown pastry. The Pinot Noir leads, relatively structured for the year while showing hints of smoke and spice to come with further age. A wine that flows with some of 2018's ease and charm, yet promises a fairly early — if rewarding — unfolding in bottle.

The 2018 Brut Vintage is just as impressive as it was last year. Rich and exuberant, with lovely depth, the 2018 has a lot to offer. Pear, apricot, dried flowers and chamomile are nicely amplified in the glass. There's real depth and character. I especially admire the level of energy and complexity for a Champagne at this level.

A delicate nose, diaphanous like a winter sun, with aromas of lime, yogurt, small redcurrants, and quince. The palate offers an acidity that remains caressing, herbal notes of thyme, and a lovely café-au-lait–colored finish.