Jean Fillioux 1er Cru, Cognac Grand Champagne NV Cognac, France

“The initial whiffs encounter lovely, melded scents of spiced pear, cardamom, and ripe white grapes; after allowing this cognac to sit undisturbed for seven more minutes, the second round of inhalations produces juicy, luscious, and fruity aromas that are in harmony; Grande Champagne cognac at its fruity, seductive aromatic best. Entry is intensely grapy, semisweet, ripe, and supple; midpalate reinforces the entry juiciness and youthful vigor. Finishes long, silky, tarter than I expected, and delicious. (Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, 2021)