Laurent Jouffe – XO – Grande Champagne, 1er Cru de Cognac

The nose is fruity, quite powerful, fine and offers a small straightness as well as a fine richness. It reveals notes of dried yellow grapes, dried lemon zests, dried mandarin and slight notes of citron, dried yellow peach, marmalade combined with a very discreet hint of pineapple (in the background) as well as slight touches of pâtisseries. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, round and offers straightness, a small fat, a small unctuosity as well as a very slight minerality. On the palate, this Cognac expresses notes of candied lemon, peach in syrup and a touch of Zante currant, marmalade combined with a subtle hint of brioche, vanilla, liquorice stick / chocolate, cedar wood as well as a very discreet hint of sweet spices / cardamom and a discreet grilled hint. Good length and good persistence.