Grosperrin Lot 72 Cognac - Grand Champagne- Aficionados/Fine Drams - 56.1%
Up until the most recent Grosperrin selections, Aficionados/Fine Drams brandy picks were running a 50/50 ratio on whether I'd want to commit to a full bottle or not. All the picks were priced reasonably for their specs. All were of better quality than what's generally available to me locally. But in the Golden Age of brandy there's still more great stuff out there than I can afford or will reasonably consume in the near future. (Check back with me in a few years. I'll probably be kicking myself for not stocking more. That's the nature of gluts and droughts and cash flow.) After sampling the current Grosperrin picks, I feel all three are tasty enough to warrant a purchase.
Here's some notes on the 1972 from Guilhem Grosperrin:
"This batch is from the father of the winemaker who produces Folle Blanche for us in the St-Fort-Sur-Le-Né region. Having been distilled many years ago (he retired in 1986!), it cannot be given a vintage because the records have been lost and it is no longer traceable. This batch was distilled in a 7-hectolitre still, over wood and charcoal. No water, no e150a, no boisé."
Nose: Barrel sweets forward. Forest-y action. Love the caramel and fresh forest interplay. Dried fruits. Tropical fruit. Spiced apples.
Flavor: Plenty of barrel here. Evolves nicely with tropical fruit punch emerging mid into the finish. Caramel. Spiced cherries. Light medicinal notes. Dense tropical finish.
Structure: Long. Chewy. Plays low with plenty of top notes dancing. Great range.
Alcohol Integration: Low heat without sacrificing density or action.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Nose is well layered. Palate delivers harmony and complexity. Structure is fantastic. Wood forward for a cognac but balanced, especially if you're already comfortable with bourbon or armagnac levels of oak.
You May Also Dig:
Cask strength 12+ year MGP or Alberta Rye will also deliver the fruit, oak, and spice combo with similarly dense and layered structures.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour