2018 Pol Roger Rose
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Tasting notes
Generous and demonstrative, shaped by the warm, early-ripening growing season, Pol Roger's 2018 Brut Rosé, disgorged in July 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, bursts from the glass with a pretty bouquet of raspberry, cranberry and rose water, mingling with brioche and honeysuckle. On the palate, it reveals a full-bodied, broad-shouldered and textural profile, structured and vibrant, boasting a dense core of luscious fruit. A pillowy mousse and ripe yet lively acidity lend energy, guiding it toward a long, perfumed finish. Comprising 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay, this is a gastronomic rosé Champagne, built to age gracefully and pair beautifully with dishes such as red meat or tuna.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier sourced from 20 premiers and grands crus in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. Includes 15% Pinot Noir, from vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Cumières, vinified as red wine is added to the blend prior to the second fermentation. Harvest began on 20 August and was spread over nearly four weeks. The grapes underwent a slow, cool (below 18 °C) fermentation, and each variety and each village was kept separate until final blending. The wine underwent full malolactic conversion. Second fermentation and lees-ageing in bottle for 42 months before remuage by hand. The wine then spent 30 months in bottle post disgorgement. Winemaker Damien Cambres. TA 3.82 g/l, pH 3.05, RS 7.95 g/l. Bottle weight 900 g. Vegan, natural cork. Available in Waitrose Cellar only. Almost a Syrah-like deep rosé (verging on purple) hue rather than salmon pink/orange. Plenty of drive and crispness on the palate. Lip-smacking, dark-red fruit/cherry to the fore. Distinctive, not subtle, but high-quality. (AWH)
Released elsewhere in 2023 and in the UK in 2024. 50% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay from 20 premiers and grands crus on the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. According to Laurent d'Harcourt of Pol it is tinted by 12–13% red wine from Riceys from the first time. But according to the Pol website, it contains ' 15% Pinot Noir from selected vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Cumières.' Very mellow and food-friendly. Perfumed nose and flattering palate lead up to an appetising dry finish. Very gourmand. (JR)
The 2018 Brut Rosé opens to a superb bouquet revealing scents of plums, red berries, pastry, almond, mandarin orange and lemon oil complemented by classy autolytic notes. On the palate, this remarkable rosé has a tauter and more fine-boned texture than usual, which is enhanced by bright acids and a chalky, saline finish. It requires patience to realize all its potential. (YC)
About the producer
Pol Roger is one of Champagne’s most respected Grandes Marques. While it is best known undoubtedly for its prestige cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, it also produces one of the finest non-vintage bottlings on the market.