Gold Medal International Wine & Spirits Competition, 2016: “Well-balanced, fine, and supple in nose, as well as on the palate, with aromas of lily and orange peel.”
Petite Champagne 1976: Cask strength, 41.4%
Importer’s notes: “Having come up in the family of one of Cognac’s most esteemed producers, Edouard is a consummate professional, who is used to working with the finest brandies. After all, luxury is his business. That's why I was surprised during my last visit when he grabbed my arm, and pulled me to a row of very old barrels in his cellar to show me one in particular with "PC 1976" written in chalk just below the bung hole. His voice was filled with excitement when he said, "When I was young, my grandfather and father always shooed me away from this barrel. As I grew older I learned why...This is our last barrel of Petite Champagne from 1976, one of the finest years in the history of Cognac. We have many barrels of very fine Cognac in our cellar, but this is one of the very best. Its beauty makes me think of all the ways people celebrate their important days. The 200 year anniversary of the America's Declaration of Independence was in 1976.
We French have celebrated this day with America before, why not again? Anniversaries, birthdays, even your 'coco loco' presidential election this year! Our 1976 is so special, it can only please your clients. And I can say, the chance won't come again because I have no more."
Tasting this extraordinary Cognac from the barrel with Edouard, I wrote as quickly as I could in my notes, "violet, orange peel, apricot, toffee...ethereal...endless finish...buy!" This was an easy decision, it is so good. During the spring of this year I asked Edouard to put up the last of his Cognac Petite Champagne 1976 "40 ANS" in a small series of hand-numbered bottles. They have now arrived and I cannot recommend them enough.”
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