2002 Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne [V95][WE95][JG94][WA94][W&S93][WS93]

Producer: Champagne Pol Roger 
Region: Champagne, France 
Blend: 100% Chardonnay 
Year: 2002 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"Intense, mineral-dominated aromas of candied citrus fruits, pear, anise, smoky lees and chamomile, plus a sexy floral nuance and a hint of sweet butter. Palate-staining orchard and citrus fruit flavors show outstanding depth and energy, picking up chalky mineral and spice notes with air. Strikingly concentrated and precise wine with strong finishing punch and noteworthy persistence. This concentrated, deftly balanced Champagne is built for a long, graceful evolution." 

Wine Enthusiast, 95 Points 

"This is a thoroughbred, elegant sparkler. With its delicate acidity, apple and grapefruit flavors, and tense, steely texture, it is an extremely well-balanced wine. Although it is ready to drink now, it could certainly age in bottle for many years. *Cellar Selection*" 

John Gilman, 94 Points 

"It had been nearly two years since I last drank a bottle of the 2002 Blanc de Blancs from Pol Roger and I was very happy to see this wine cruising along beautifully. The bouquet is deep, complex and really starting to open up very nicely today, offering up scents of apple, pear, brioche, a vine base of limestone minerality, orange zest and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and delivers plenty of ripe fruit at the core, with lovely mineral drive, elegant mousse and a long, crisp and complex finish. A lovely showing." 

Wine Advocate, 94 Points 

"White flowers, lemon, slate and chamomile are some of the notes that burst from the glass in Pol Roger’s 2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs Extra Cuvee de Reserve. A bright, tightly coiled wine, the 2002 comes across as quite fresh and vibrant, especially within the context of the year. Sweet floral and minty notes run through the precise, crystalline finish. Although the 2002 is absolutely delicious today, I am intrigued to see how it might age. It is utterly brilliant today." 

Wine & Spirits, 93 Points 

"Blended from grand cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, this Chardonnay cold-ferments in stainless steel and undergoes malolactic prior to aging on the lees for nine years in bottle. It’s the most classic of Pol Roger’s current lineup, packing the tension of the vintage into mouthwatering flavors of heirloom apples and pale limestone. Sunny energy seems to come out of that earthy side of the wine, bristling with youthful power. This has years of development ahead." 

Wine Spectator, 93 Points 

"Firm, with a toasty base mixing with flavors of quince paste, pastry, dried apricot, raw almond and a hint of lemon curd. There's a clean-cut note of minerally salinity throughout, accompanied by a fine bead and a lingering finish." 

Alcohol: 12.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.