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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

The Taste of Victory: Churchill’s Favourite Pol Roger

Two magnums of Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 1986, that pay homage to Sir Winston Churchill and his favourite champagne, will complement cases and single bottles of wine in Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions Fine Wine auction on Wednesday 18 June at their saleroom in London’s Mayfair.

Two magnums of Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 1986
Two magnums of Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 1986
Sir Winston Churchill famously enjoyed life’s luxuries, “Winston is a man of simple tastes” a friend said “He is quite satisfied by the best of everything.”

During the Second World War, even as D-Day approached, Churchill maintained a stock of his favourite Pol Roger, fervently believing that both defeat and victories warranted its consumption. He once famously borrowed Napoleon’s mantra saying; “I could not live without Champagne – in victory I deserve it, in defeat I need it”

After Churchill’s death in January 1965, Pol Roger paid tribute to their most loyal patron, by adding a black border to all bottles of Pol Roger Brut Réserve ‘White Foil’ that were sold in the UK.

In 1984 Pol Roger launched the Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill. Made from a secret blend, the champagne celebrated the mature and full-bodied style that Churchill favoured. Only ever produced in the very best vintages it is an elegant champagne which ages very well.

These two fine magnums, in cardboard presentation cases, are estimated at £600-800 and are a fitting accompaniment to the D-Day anniversary. [Lot 7]

Elsewhere in the sale two bottles of Champagne Pol Roger Extra Dry 1952 from the estate of the late Jazz musician Humphrey Lyttleton are helping to raise funds for the Humph Trust. Set up in the name of Humphrey Lyttelton the trust supports young jazz musicians in building their careers.

Pol Roger currently hold the Royal Warrant as purveyors of Champagne to Queen Elizabeth II and in 1977 they specially released this champagne for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The two bottles are estimated at £600-800 [Lot 3]

The sale will be held on Wednesday 18th June at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ saleroom in London’s Mayfair. The illustrated catalogue is available to download or view online at www.dreweatts.com and live bidding will be offered via live.bidforwine.com