Jean Fillioux Reserve Familiale Grande Champagne Cognac (700ml)

Jean Fillioux is not exactly a household name when it comes to Cognac. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. As with other small grower producers, like Jean Luc Pasquet or Paul Giraud, Fillioux's cognacs are the efforts of a hands-on artisan usually dealing in small production runs, which often translates into a more interesting product. In short, such small houses can offer less uniform but more idiosyncratic spirits that stand out from the corporate pack.

The Filliouxs have often used their distillery to make Cognacs for the big four brands. However, the fruit that grows in the vineyard planted on a hilltop in Grande Champagne, 'La Pouyade', has always been reserved for the creation of their own brandies. The site is located in Grande Champagne's "golden triangle": Verrières, Angeac-Champagne and Juillac-le-Coq, an area known to yield the most delicate distillate requiring long barrel ageing to achieve maturity. Most of the Fillioux cognacs are blended, however, there are some exceptional single estate offerings too.

Founded in 1880 by Honoré Fillioux, the company is presently run by his great-grand-son Pascal J. Fillioux, admiringly referred to by his neighbors as the “Magician of Aromas."

Tasting note: Polished brass. Seductively floral and ultra pure. Nosing reveals dried fruits (fig, pear, apricot), roasted almonds plus hints of lemon tart and vanilla custard. Graceful and fresh with a medium dry, mid weighted profile. Early dried fig is followed by buttered raisin toast, vanilla and late cigar box. Excellent balance. The length is fabulous. Luscious and tantalizing. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... An oldy but a goody, at 45 years old. The first aromas are subtle hints of dried pear seated in an oaky base. With aeration, the second pass unearths fine, even delicate scents of rancio and hard cheese, while the third pass adds hints of citrus, moss, cedar and tobacco. The palate entry is softly sweet, as velvety flavors of raisins and citrus meld with the oak. The mid palate is sweet—in an oaky fashion—and very smooth. The finish is rather short and features old oak. 90-95 points - wineenthusiast.com