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For those who prefer a cognac that expresses ripe fruit and complexity as well as deeper, more roasted overtones of older cognacs. Some notes of grapefruit and pear also emerge while the finale expresses a touch of pepper. 100% Petite Champagne, 8 years old.

Blended in part from prephylloxera (pre-1870s) Cognacs. Very deep amber color. Initial nosings detect stately aromas, including tea leaves, cigar tobacco and delicate touches of oaky rancio; aeration releases leathery and spicy notes. Palate entry is nougaty sweet, luscious, honeyed and deep; by midpalate the flavor phase reaches a zenith, offering richly sweet tastes of rancio, sap, honey, brown sugar, sugar biscuits and cocoa. Finishes voluptuously honeyed, almost like Pedro Ximenez Sherry. If this Cognac were art, it would be a Rembrandt. 96-100 pts.