ANCIENT COGNACS - Wentworth-by-the-Sea (9/22/2012)
Our usual HC tasting group got together to try some ancient cognacs. Don made an amazing Peking Duck which was he perfect accompaniment to the tasting. As usual, it was a great night with lots of laughs and meeting new friends. It doesn’t get much better than this.
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2008 Germain-Robin Pinot Noir Anno Domini - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino
Hard to imagine this is only 4 years old. Just goes to show that when you put extraordinary grapes into the product, you can turn out wirld class cognac. The nose was very intense with strong aromas of honey, sandalwood, and vanilla. The body was multilayered - always a sign of something great to us. After an explosion of tastes, the finish went on for 60+ seconds. Incredibly smooth. Our #2 WOTN right behind the Ferrand and well ahead of the two Fransacs. (98 pts.) -
NV Roullet Fransac - Domaine des Forges Grande Fine Champagne 1er Grand Cru de Cognac Grande Champagne 1er Cru de Cognac 70 years old - France, Cognac, Charente, Grande Fine Champagne 1er Grand Cru de Cognac
We were disappointed in both of the Fransac bottlings. The 70 year old was impressive but simply didn’t have the complexity, depth, or intensity of the first three samples. The middle was shallow - missing something that was hard to place but simply not all together. You could almost taste the inferiority of the grapes themselves. An outstanding bottle that was simply overwhelmed by the competition. (92 pts.)
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NV Roullet Fransac - Domaine des Forges Grande Fine Champagne 1er Grand Cru de Cognac Extra old 50 years in oak - France, Cognac, Charente, Grande Fine Champagne 1er Grand Cru de Cognac
It was said to say this bottle brought up the rear tonite. It was overall outstanding bottle of cognac, but was rather simplistic in nature. The quality of the raw materials simply wasn’t there - and that showed at every measure. For the price, this simply couldn’t hold a candle to the Anno Domini. (90 pts.)
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NV Pierre Ferrand Grande Champagne Ancestral - France, Cognac, Grande Champagne
Wow. This one took our breath away. Remarkable nose of marzipan, toasted oak, sweet cinnamon buns. Something you just wanted to bathe in all night. The first taste said it all. Almost everyone started with “oh my god” and it only got more intense from there. The finish easily lasted over two minutes and stayed with you the remainder of the night. Unanimous WOTN for the group. Outstanding stuff! (99 pts.)
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NV Maison Surrenne Cognac Tonneau no. 1 - France, Cognac
Pure bliss in a bottle. This was every good as we remember from 5 years ago. Beautiful light brown/golden color. Nose was a blend of beach rose, hyacinth, tupelo honey, and sweet figs. The body was the smoothest of the bunch with the finish lasting over 60 seconds. While it was easy to pick the Ferrand as the WOTN, this one fought toe to toe for second. A beautiful grand lady. (97 pts.)
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