Wine By Nine

Vintage by Pol Roger from Champagne, France. The Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill was created as a tribute to the great man, as he was a close friend of the Pol-Roger family and long time consumer of the champagne. The Cuvee is consistently made in the style he preferred: robust, full-bodied, relatively mature and dominated by Pinot Noir which contributes firmness and backbone complemented by the ethereal elegance of Chardonnay. The Cuvee is composed of the only the finest grapes from the very best vineyards (and only those from within the Champagne area under vine in Sir Winstons day), chosen for declaration in only the best vintage years. Bright gold with a lively mousse Deep, pungent nose features powerful scents of minerals, saffron, pear, lilac, buttered apple, pear, white peach and marzipan. Broad and improbably concentrated, the pear and apple flavors packing a huge punch and complicated by buttery, leesy tones. As rich and supple as this is, it also boasts brilliant cut. Finishes with expansive, exotic spice and pear notes, and superb focus and length. This spent nine years on its lees. Already delicious but I'd opt for holding this one for another decade before popping the cork. -IWC

Vintage by Pol Roger from Champagne, France. Pol Roger, one of a few luxury Champagne firms still family-owned, was established in Epernay in 1849. Pol Roger owns 200 acres of vineyards, which provide about 45% of their needs. Pol Roger's cellars extend over four miles of winding chalk passageways on two levels. The second or deeper cellar maintains a constant 9.5? C (50? F), one degree lower than the first level and most others in the region. This lower temperature slows the second fermentation, encouraging a finer mousse or bubbles. Pol Roger Champagne also spends two to three times the allowable minimum in the cellar before disgorgement, or about three years for the non-vintage and up to seven for the luxury cuvees. The long, slow maturation contributes greatly to the complex aromas, which distinguish these superb Champagnes. The Vintage Brut follows the traditional formula for Pol Roger Vintage, being composed of about 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay drawn from 18 Grands and Premiers Crus. As always, the Pinot Noir contributes the intensity, backbone, tannins and body while the Chardonnay provides the fragrance, elegance, finesse essential to a perfect balance. Vintage Brut is only produced in declared vintage years.

Vintage by Nicolas Feuillatte from Champagne, France. The Nicolas Feuillatte 1998 Blanc de Blanc is a unique expression of Champagne, a 100% Chardonnay Cuvee, pale gold in color, with sumptuous aromas and flavors of green apple, dried figs, honeysuckle and a fresh, bright finish.