Vallein Tercinier, Domaine des Forges-Chermignac – XO, Vieille Réserve – Cognac, Fine Champagne

The nose is fruity, elegant, fine, racy, finely incisive/tight and offers power. It reveals notes of dry yellow peach, dry lime zests, small notes of dry quince dry mandarine zests associated with hints of dry white fruits, caramel small white fruit as well as a subtle hint of cedar, dry tobacco, Sichuan pepper and a very discreet hint of nutmeg. The palate is fruity, suave, elegant, well-balanced and offers a fine tension, finesse, a fine aerial side, a beautiful harmony as well as a fine gourmandize and fullness. On the palate this Cognac expresses notes of caramelized mandarine zests, dry zests, crystallized lemon, small notes of caramel apple associated with touches of white fruits in syrup, a subtle hint of flowers, salted butter caramel, cedar wood, mild tobacco as well as an imperceptible hint of Bourbon vanilla pod/pâtisserie. Good length and beautiful persistence.