A Cognac may only be soldy 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.
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.
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.
XO (for Extra Old ) , Napoléon, 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 -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 -1968- Fins Bois 35cl
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"Very clear colour. The nose is very peppery and lemony, with later notes of violet and coffee and then of smoke. It is light and fresh, very slightly rough, and savoury on the palate, with the alcohol still sensible, and a constantly present mineral texture. It is a very fine product resulting from Fins Bois in calcareous soil. A discrete, secret and fine cognac," Le Rouge et le Blanc, 2001.
Reduced.
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.
Léopold Gourmel - Promenade en Cognac 3 x 20cl
Age of Fruit - Age of Flowers - Age of Spices. For the first time recognize the three natural aromatic stages, memorize them easily and select them according to the different instances.
Leyrat - XO Vieille Réserve
Old gold in colour.
A complex nose opens with nutty aromas, pastry and butterscotch and a hint of dry leaves.
The nose evolves to more pronounced dry fruit and nuts with vanilla undertones.
The palate is present and initially quite dry with the long clean finish typical of Leyrat cognacs.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
Leyrat - XO Elite
Old gold in colour.
The nose is more delicate than the X.O. with dominant floral aromas and mature wood character. It evolves to spice, pepper and sandalwood as well as the walnuts and irises typical of fine ‘rançio’.
The palate is complex, dense and outstandingly long.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
Leyrat - Extra
Old gold in colour.
The nose has remarkable floral freshness with leafy undertones.
This first impression yields to fine spice, notably cinnamon and pronounced aromas of stewed fruit and quince. The palate is exceptional for its smoothness, packed with peach and apricot flavours and with a hint of resin and honey in an elegant and powerful finish.
Leyrat - Très Vieux
Deep old gold in colour.
The nose epitomises Cognac having been aged for a prolonged period with a panoply of spicey and cigar-box aromas. With time oakier notes appear and damp leafy humus with a hint of forest mushroom.
The palate is long and spicy with honey and a slightly dry finish typical of such venerable Cognac.
Roullet - Amber Gold VS
A rare unblended cognac from grapes grown and converted into wine within a single domain, distilled and matured there and Estate bottled.
Roullet - VSOP Réserve
A rich bouquet with flavours of chocolate and spice typical of fine mature cognac.
Minimum age: 10 years old.
