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 -1944- Bons Bois
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Awarded 94/100 by Livets Goda (Sweden, 2008).
Unusual in this “cru” because of its lightness and its density. An astonishing vitality, smooth and round with a prune mouthfeel that will stay in your memory for a long time. The "petits crus" have also their wonders!
Rough from cask.
Jean Grosperrin -1944- Grande Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Same origin and history as the 1944 FINS BOIS. The feminine softness of the Grande Champagne area is confirmed here. Give it time to reveal itself; you will discover a delicate union between the stripped tannins of its roughness and the refinement of the flavours of the cognac.
Rough from cask.
Jean Grosperrin - N° 67 Fins Bois
Collection Cognac
Expressive, mushroom and mocha nose. Powerful and oily on the palate, notes of wood, liquorice. Generous and rich finish, slightly peppery. Rather rustic character.
Rough from cask.
Jean Grosperrin -1968- Fins Bois
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 -1970- Grande Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Same origin as the Grande Champagne 1980 and 1971. This batch was aged in a very old ORECO warehouse located in Fins Bois. Some barrels were reduced, others were not.
Reduced.
Jean Grosperrin -1971- Grande Champagne (réduit)
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"A straightforward cognac," Saveurs, France, 2006. "Elegant nose with notes of hazelnut, chocolate, plum, and cigar box. Very lovely on the palate, fine structure with a nice freshness, mature flavours. Long and complex finish," Andreas Larsson, 2008. Excellent maturity and a certain fullness. The powerfulness of Grande Champagne combines with the maturity of ageing. A cognac to savour over a long time, sip by sip, eyes closed, in the tranquil peace of a late afternoon of November (…). Pure pleasure! Sommelier International, 2009.
Reduced.
Jean Grosperrin -1973- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Powerful floral and honey aroma. It is light and frank on the palate, with a liquorice and ginger finish.
Jean Grosperrin -1974- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Powerful honey and ripe fruit aroma. It is frank and smooth on the palate, dominated by ginger with a light touch of citrus fruit. Fruity and elegant.
“The 1974 cought our attention (…), that kept much of the sunshine but added some intriguing caraway notes”, Wine & Spirits, USA, 2006.
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.
