A Cognac may be sold only when its youngest eau-de-vie reaches a minimum of two and a half years old, as of the first day of October following the harvest of the grapes.
Only the years of storage in oak barrels count to determine its age.
Once transferred into glass, the Cognac stops maturing. It stands still.
A V.S (for Very Special), also called *** (or Three Stars) is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least two and a half years old.
A V.S.O.P ( for Very Superior Old Pale), also called Reserve, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is between four and a half and six and a half years old.
A Napoleon, or X.O (for Extra Old ), also called Hors d'âge, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least six and a half years old.
Most Cognac houses will use Cognacs much older than those required by law, allowing X.Os to reach a minimum of twenty years old, in order to reveal their very best.
Jean Grosperrin -1975- Fins Bois
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Mushroom, orange peel nose. Winy on the palate, lighter and tenser than that of 1978. Such tension makes it more elegant.
"Mature nose with notes of nut, leather, nougat and something of an Amontillado... Very spicy on the palate with vanilla and cedar notes, long and rich finish," Andreas Larsson, 2008.
Jean Grosperrin -1976- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"Feminine" character, according to some.
"A very typical and expressive cognac, de grande allure", Newzy, France, 2006.
Jean Grosperrin -1980- Grande Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Young yellow colour. Powerful and expressive nose (Folle Blanche?), light tobacco notes.
This cognac needs to breathe in order to fully express its complexity.
Almond and white flower nose.
Clean, vanilla and smooth on the palate. First rancios.
Jean Grosperrin -1980- Grande Champagne 35cl
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Young yellow colour. Powerful and expressive nose (Folle Blanche?), light tobacco notes.
This cognac needs to breathe in order to fully express its complexity.
Almond and white flower nose.
Clean, vanilla and smooth on the palate. First rancios.
Jean Grosperrin -1983- Fins Bois
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Nice mahogany hue. Classical nose, well balanced and pleasant. Tasted straight, the effect was very tannic ; mouth-drying and somewhat bitter. Water brings the oily notes forward (adding liqurice), introduces some white flowers notes. After a few minutes, the white flowers notes turn into fruity notes. Viscous, even waxy mouth-feel; some sweetness to start and then spicy (nutmeg, liquorices, cloves) and bitter (wreck wood). Finishes long and nervous.
Jean Grosperrin -1988- Fins Bois
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Pale yellow colour. Very fine cognac, fresher than that of 1989. The aroma of distillation is still perceptible. Full of smoothness and elegance. Lively and direct on the palate.
Jean Grosperrin -1989- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"I like the freshness and the structure of this cognac on the palate, long and fruity, still on the young side but with a good persistence," Andreas Larsson, 2008.
Jean Grosperrin -1989- Petite Champagne 35cl
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"I like the freshness and the structure of this cognac on the palate, long and fruity, still on the young side but with a good persistence," Andreas Larsson, 2008.
Jean Grosperrin -1991- Bois Ordinaires
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
1991 Bois Ordinaires from the Island of Oléron
This vintage cognac (aged under state control since its distillation) is a fabulous expression of this soil, with the flavours of the wild coast, sunny beach and soft spices (or suntan cream?).
Normandin-Mercier - Vintage -1976-
PETITE CHAMPAGNE MILLESIME 1976
SINGLE VINEYARD SINGLE VINTAGE. (Vignoble et année uniques)
