Pol Roger 2006 Champagne - Magnum

MAGNUM SIZE

The sense of triumph and exhilaration that the fine folk at Pol Roger must have felt when they released their epically tasty 2004 must surely have been tainted by the thought of how on earth to follow it. But any worries, we imagine, would have been instantly allayed when they sampled the 2006: it is simply lovely.

It is intense yet delicate, with balanced notes of stone fruit, acacia honey and citrus underpinned by a fine thread of acidity. It has excellent freshness and persistence and its tight structure is showing beautifully right now.

Launched by a young vibrant 18 year old Pol Roger in 1849, Champagne Pol Roger is still in the supervision of his offspring, who have preserved his standards of lasting quality and consistency whilst encompassing the range of styles they offer. Their champagnes, which are noted for long cellar ageing before release and their fine, tireless mousse, have continuously found particular favour with connoisseurs in Great Britain.

Pol Roger has a distinguished reputation for its vintage Champagnes, which are produced only in the best years and from the best vineyards. This pedigree is evident in the 2004, which has earned its place in an historic line of Champagnes.

The 2006 brut vintage is made from the traditional house vintage blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, from 20 Grands and Premiers crus vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. It is produced in limited quantities and was aged for eight years in their cellars before being disgorged and released onto the market.

The wine displays a very attractive pale straw colour and the nose is rather austere and elegant, with light apple notes. On the palate the wine is deep and intense yet retains a sense of delicacy with balanced notes of stone fruit, acacia honey, citrus and slight nuttyness underpinned by a fine thread of acidity. It has excellent freshness and persistence, with ample concentration and richness to develop over the next 3-7 years.