Pol Roger : Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2018

Like a finely tailored suit, this exhibits impeccable harmony, class and attention to detail. It integrates a firmly structured spine of acidity with flavors of ripe plum, candied lemon peel, lightly toasted hazelnut, brioche and chamomile, caressing the palate with the plushly creamy mousse. Long on the finish, with mineral, graphite and spice hints, this is hard to stop sipping now but should reward those who wait with even greater expression in years to come. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2045.

Full bottle 1,576 g. No tech spec available. To be launched soon. Deeper-flavoured than the 2018 regular vintage wine. As rich but with more marked acidity. Very vibrant with more energy than many 2018 champagnes. But, unlike some 7-year-old versions of this wine, it's already delightfully approachable. Very long. (JR)

The 2018 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is supremely classy and polished, just as it was last year. Crushed rocks, slate, mint, chalk and dried herbs all race through to the intensely vibrant, mineral-drenched finish. This is so resonant, so sculpted. I would give the 2018 at least a few years in bottle, as recent tastings suggest it is entering a period of dormancy.

The 2018 Champagne Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Brut is spicy with white pepper, tobacco leaf, and delicate currant, but today the raspberry and citrus shine more brightly. Coming from the Grand Cru, it features chocolate cherries, with hints of cocoa and a frothy mousse, but it needs time to come together. It’s refreshing in its acidity, with a pillowy mousse, and is a pleasing vintage. Drink 2025-2050.