Pol Roger   Blanc de Blancs

2002 Blanc de Blancs

By Pol Roger

2002 Blanc de Blancs by Pol Roger, a Rare Jewel that Sparkles

Perhaps the zenith of audacious elegance and sophistication from the acclaimed champagne house of Epernay, the 2002 Blanc de Blancs from Pol Roger remarkably encapsulates the essence of its stellar vintage year. With four decades of ongoing appreciation for exquisite wines on my seasoned palate, the said vintage stands as a testament to Pol Roger's rightful place in the annals of wine history.

 

An Exemplary Vintage Worth Investing In

In the fortunate ears for wine investors, 2002 was an exceptional year for champagne. Fortuitous climatic conditions granted perfect ripening and acidity balance for chardonnay grapes — a harmony well-reflected in every sip of this refined 2002 Blanc de Blancs. It is endowed with an alluring golden hue, graced by delicate effervescence reminiscent of twinkling stars embedded within the liquid realm. This edition from Pol Roger showcases an elegant amalgamation of honeyed apples, buttery toasted brioche and softly-singed lime zest on the nose that whisks one down memory lane to a champagne's glory in the early millennia.

 

Complexity and Length Worthy of Appreciation

The palate does wonderfully justice to this full-bodied tribute to its fruitful season. The fruit is taut, yet creamy enough to fill every crevice in your mouth - a nod to its thoughtful vinification. It greets you with a dominant citrus character that elegantly wanes into notes of green apple and a subtle, biscuity backdrop reminiscent of shortbread. This complexity extends into an admirably lengthy finish that persists even when the glass is put down, an indication of its excellent ageing potential.

 

Crowning Touch: An Epic Finish

In summation, it would not be brash to proclaim this particular vintage par excellence as one among those which a true connoisseur of wines would cherish in their collection. The 2002 Blanc de Blancs from Pol Roger distinctly detonates numerous flavor parcels around one's mouth which compels repeated dwelling on this perennial icon. A ripple-effect investment certainly worth contemplating given its enticing potential for maturity during cellaring.

Current market price

£1,360.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

97.14

Scores and tasting notes

94

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. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons Ltd, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2012

Vintage performance