Paul Giraud – XO – Grande Champagne, Premier Cru de Cognac

The nose is powerful, elegant, fruity, complex, intense, gourmand, precise and racy. It reveals notes of yellow peach, dry quince, small notes of peach flowers, white fruits associated with touches of dry zests, citrus (kumquat, lemon) associated with a fine touch of apricot, dry flowers, spices, pepper as well as a subtle hint of pâtisserie and a very discreet hint of tobacco. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, racy, elegant, well-defined and offers a fine acid frame, a beautiful finesse of the grain, suavity, a fine gourmandize and a good construction/Structure (full of finesse). On the palate this Cognac expresses notes of fleshy peach, candied apple, small notes crystallized lemon associated with touches of dry apricot associated with fine touches of zests, caramelized mandarine, rancio, caramel/pâtisserie as well as a very discreet hint of menthol, tobacco/tobacco box, cedar, small yellow flowers, Zante currant and a very discreet hint of pepper. Good length and persistence. A very fine power on the persistence. A beautiful finesse, delicacy and balance!