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 9.5º C (50º 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 cuvées. The long, slow maturation contributes greatly to the complex aromas, which distinguish these superb Champagnes.The Brut Non Vintage blend is traditionally composed from about 30 to 35 still base wines
White peach, flint, and primary character. White blossom. Medium body. Medium phenolic texture and energetic acidity. Light lemon bitterness. Steely. Serious and solid. Drink or hold.
The second wine of Château Laroque, the 2019 Les Tours De Laroque is certainly worth checking out. It shows the purity and precision of the Grand Vin, only in a more up-front, soft, charming, medium-bodied package. The blend is 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet ...
A rich, opulent style, this delivers peach, melon and lemon notes layered over toasty oak. Bold up front, yet holds up midpalate and shows subtle length, too. Drink now through 2026. 37,000 cases made, 19,000 cases imported.