Although a polymath, Sir Winston Churchill's loyalty to one of Champagne's great houses needs no explaining. Legend has it that he personally ordered 20,000 bottles of the 1947. Drinking it every day at breakfast or in the bath while facing off a teetotal dictator is one of history's great stories and wine merchants have dined out and capitalised on these for years. Wine good... water bad.

Born 150 years ago this month Sir Winston Churchill's love of Champagne remains as pertinent today as ever. No other historical figure is associated with wine as he is. Thomas Jefferson makes a good claim, Henry II served Chateau d'Issan at his wedding in the 12^th century, Brad Pitt is having a row with his ex-wife about his Provence estate, even Sir Cliff Richard tried it in Portugal, but Churchill towers above them all.

In 1975 Pol Roger released their first Sir Winston Churchill Cuvee and in 2006 created a Special Commemorative Edition Brut Reserve to further celebrate him. Dominated by Pinot grapes, this wine dances with complexity and vibrancy - structured and rich - a true titan and regrettable that he was never able to try it. It is a monumental Champagne. Churchill will have shot me down like a Messerschmitt, but after having an evening of multiple vintages in Singapore, I have always thought it should be drunk with food like any great white wine. 

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer.  The auction will take place on Tuesday 20 February (starting at 10.30am GMT) at Dreweatts Newbury, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park.  Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.  Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon GMT the day before the sale

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Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact: 

Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Caroline Shepherd | Violette Jongbloed | Dianne Wall
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 527
Main tel: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553
E-mail: wine@dreweatts.com