Francois Voyer Cristal Grande Champagne Cognac Carafe (700ml)

Taking cognac packaging to another level is this stand-out Hors d’Age expression from Francois Voyer presented in a striking art deco-inspired case. Inside is housed a Sèvre crystal bottle, the gentle curves of the glass leading to a neck ribbon holding a gold-toned metal tag bearing the François Voyer name. A tall crystal stopper completes the decanter. The liquid inside is an appropriate match. A 15ml sample revealed a gorgeous, floral-soft bouquet, conjuring scents of mango and honey, dovetailing into vanilla and rancio. Despite being a minimum of 50 years old, the palate remains fresh, impeccably balanced yet surprisingly full-bodied with beautifully rounded flavours of passionfruit sorbet, quince paste, nectarine and Perique tobacco in a finish that fans out like a peacock's tail. The length and rebound are as expected, while the slightly higher abv helps to drive it all home. A pinnacle in Voyer's pantheon. 43% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... refined and lusty aromas of coffee cocoa, spices (cloves, cinnamon) with delicate dried fruits, followed by incomparable notes of grand cru chocolate with light humus scents, delicate pepper and cedar wood rounded out by an incredibly rich and prolonged finish.