The cellar master, Alexander Gabriel, has the the great pleasure to open for the very first time his private collection of exceptional cognacs. Premier Cru single cask 100% Grande Champagne, unique in the world! These preciously guarded treasures rest under the vaults of the Chais Paradis, in the underground passages of Mademoiselle's 19th-centuary manor. These forever inimitable vintages, from the oldest to the most recent, are made from Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard grapes. Although it is impossible to reproduce them, they all have one thing in common: each of them bears witness to the extraordinary character of Grande Champagne and to the savoir-faire of the Cognac region perfected over the centuries. These extraordinary cognacs are not blended and are bottled at their natural alcohol content right out of the barrel, without filtration.
Matured at least 12 years in oak barrels. Single distillation. Colour : Deep golden brown. Scent : Fresh hazelnut, banana and spices aromas, a perfect balance between wood and matured apple aromas. Palate : Fine and silky. Use : A smooth harmony with dessert, chocolate cream, nougat or ice-cream.
Dense, rich, with notes of baked apples and tarte tatin, the nose evolves towards a subtle rancio.
Gold Medal San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019
Gabriel Boudier Apricot Brandy is created from fully ripe apricots, which are carefully selected for their aromatic properties, are macerated in brandy. The apricot flavoured spirit is then removed and a small dose of sugar added. The liqueur which results has a perfect taste of apricots.
Nose: Initially very spicy yuzu and tangerine aromas, followed by vanilla, marzipan and a delicate hint of flowers (roses, geraniums) followed by pepper, mint and herbs
Palate: a rich and round palate that initially follows the aromas on the nose. There are also hints of candied citrus fruits (yuzus, tangerines, limes) and waxy impressions of tropical fruits, along with almonds, plums, toffee, nutmeg and tea
Finish: the finish is very strong long and enthusiastic with hints of citrus fruits, herbs and vanilla as well as sweet spiced pastries
Chateau Pellehaut was named Best Brandy Producer in the world 2020 by the International Wine and Spirits Challenge. The fruit of the Armagnac takes center stage here, melding wonderfully with the small hint of vanilla from the wood. It's all distilled from Folle Blanche fruit and it's soft, round and aromatic, but it still has that little bit of rustic brandy flavour typical of old-school Armagnac.
The entry point into the Maxime Trijol, their VS cognac is rich and full of fruit and floral notes, making it perfect for sipping, cocktails or long drinks.
On the nose, warm hints of spices (cinnamon, vanilla). On the palate it is round and rich in tannins, developing towards a lush and lingering aftertaste, in which the aromatic overtones of the oak are revealed.
This XO Cognac of the house of Rémy Martin comes in a 70 cl decanter and is at an ABV of 40%. The eaux-de-vie blend consists of 85% Grande Champagne and 15% Petite Champagne.
Carefully handcrafted and aged in oak, Three Barrels has a superior smooth and velvety taste with hints of almond and walnut, and a long finish of candied fruits and ginger.
Amber hue with copper highlights. Focused, inviting nose suggestive of ripe apple and tarte tatin. The palate reveals a crisp, focused and fruity calvados showing lovely balance and persistence.
A fruit-forward Calvados from the wonderful Domaine Dupont over in Normandy. The apples are mixed, crushed, pressed and then fermented, and then finally aged in oak.
Tremendously smooth and mellow with hints of pears, apricots and nuts on the palate. Satisfying and intensely long. No giant marketing budgets to pay for here, just quality.
A splendid cognac from top producer Maxime Trijol. This elegant VSOP is a must-try. The family began distilling in 1859 and Maxime set up his own distillery in 1962.
This family owned firm has been producing calvados from the top cru, Pays d'Auge, for 5 generations. This Reserve Calvados has been aged for at least 3 years, initially in 30 - 40 hl oak barrels but subsequently in smaller, 15 - 20 hl ones. It has a wonderful appley flavour and can be drunk as an aperitif (straight on ice or in a cocktail) or as a digestif served at room temperature to allow enough time to air.
Flavour
Smooth, a mix of apple and wood. It is fresh with minerals and a slightly peppery taste.
Aged for 12 years. Intense vanilla apple and some floral notes of rose and jasmine; touches of sturdy oak and dried fruit. The palate is immediately smooth and balanced, fine fruit with complex oaky flavour, spiced fruit with a mouth-tingling grip.
A beautiful nose of dried fruit and hints of almonds, the palate is fresh, round and warming with ginger and rich cloves. Château Montifaud is a super family-run estate.
In 2020 Ch Pellehaut was named Best Brandy Producer by the IWSC Challenge. Their 5 year old Sélection Armagnac has plenty of vanilla and cinnamon notes with lovely oakiness while the floral notes of Folle Blanche float above. It qualifies as VSOP (minimum 5 years of ageing before release) but does not declare it.
Amber with flashes of mahogany. The floral bouquet develops into spicy aromas on the palate producing a very rich feel. Its aromatic harmony is the sign of a fully-fledged cognac.
Decanter " Plenty of powerful spice and oak tannin up front, along with classic notes of ripe citrus and creamy vanilla. The mid-palate is explosively fragrant and round, with a little menthol tension. Abenchmark XO at a good price"
On a beautifully situated property overlooking the town of Montréal-du-Gers lies Château de Pellehaut. Their Folle Blanche Armagnac is just 5 years old but was rated Outstanding (96 points) by the IWSC in 2020 "Tremendous nose, so elegant, so refined! Slightly soapy start to palate but eventually comes through revealing delicious floral character. Pleasant finish with a little rye toast"
