Delamain Le Tres Venere Cognac (700ml)

Local demand for XO Cognac has spiked in the last decade with Australia now the seventh largest market. Delamain are making a welcome return with four distinctive blends: Pale & Dry, Vesper , Extra and Le Tres Venere, the oldest in the line up so far. Unlike many producers, Delamain refrain from additives or colouring (e.g. boise or sugar), which can change the flavour profile. The resulting cognacs are delicate, elegant and dry - sometimes bordering on restrained - in contrast to the sweeter style ‘fruit bombs’ you get from many other houses.

With no vineyard holdings of their own, the focus here is on acquiring the finest Grande Champagne eaux de vie. Of around four hundred samples that are received each year, around 10% make the grade. Cellar master, Domonique Touteau, also bottles well beyond the minimum XO requirement of six years. Their youngest XO blend stands at 25 years old whilst their oldest and most exclusive includes elements up to 55 years old.

Tasting note: Like the Vesper, this has a relatively tight, dry nose feel, the opening pass hinting at oak shavings and white pepper. 3-4 minutes air contact sweetens the bouquet, highlighting vanilla, honey, fruit cake, dried figs and raisins. Luscious and fruity on entry. Excellent concentration with a lovely rush of passion fruit and nectarine through the finish. Ends long, dry, understated, elegant and very natural with the fruity notes rising again. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews… Vivacious, nimble aromas line up in rows of vanilla, spice and orange rind; aeration accentuates the mild citrus-zest element. At palate entry, it's velvety in texture and herbal, almost woody in flavor; traces of rancio are displayed at midpalate. Finish is long, satiny and bittersweet. Another Delamain jewel for the sophisticated imbiber. 90-95 points - winenthusiast.com