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“What Does Time in a Barrel do to a Cognac"?
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“What Does Time in a Barrel do to a Cognac"?
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Tuesday October 28, 2008 |
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Speaker: Paul Jones, President, JTE Spirits
The Ragnaud-Sabourin family owns one of the most prestigious private estates in the Grande champagne region of cognac. The estate was established in 1850 and is currently managed by third and fourth generations of the founding family. The house style was developed to produce cognacs with weight, elegance and all the hallmarks and finesse expected of the Grande Champagne Cru. The continuity of style has been guaranteed by employing the same family as cellar masters since 1850. Their mission is “Only produce the best quality, in limited quantities”.
We tasted 5 unblended Cognacs, one Vintage, a Very Old Blend and 3 Dessert Spirits. All the Cognacs showed well. The aromas and flavors of the Cognacs exceeded everyones expectations. Prices are full markup retail price. We asked for one vote for favorite unblended Cognac, one vote for favorite Vintage or Old Blend and one vote for Dessert Cognac. Ragnaud-Sabourin Domaine La Voute Unblended 35 yr old cognac (XO Quality) was the favorite unblended Cognac. Ragnaud-Sabourin Heritage Ragnaud a blend of 1902, 1903, and 1904 and Chateau de Beaulon XO / 1971 Vintage Cognac tied for favorite and Chateau de Bealoun Pineau des Charentes 5year old Blanc was the favorite of the Dessert Flight. Everyone had a wonderful educational tasting experence.
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| Flight I: Ragnaud-Sabourin Cognac |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Ragnaud-Sabourin Unblended 6 yr old cognac (VS Quality )
Bright straw color with overtones of honey and amber. Aromas of flowering grape vines. Later, hints of mint, ripe grapes and dried hay. Floral aromas with rich multilayer of toffee, wood and nougat on the palate with a elegant texture and rather long finish. |
0 |
$50.00 |
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Ragnaud-Sabourin Unblended 10 yr old cognac (VSOP Quality)
Amber color with an olive cast. Perfumed aroma of dried flowers, dried peaches, and spice with a layer of toffee. A smooth, supple entry leads to a dry yet fruity medium to full body of figs, cocoa, nuts and delicate spices. Finishes with a soft chocolate covered ginger fade. An exceptionally balanced and refined VSOP. |
0 |
$65.00 |
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Ragnaud-Sabourin Unblended 20 yr old cognac (Napoleon Quality)
Rich butter roasted nut, toffee, ginger and cigar box aromas. A silky entry leads to a vibrantly fruity full body of dried exotic citrus, lavish spices, praline and floral eucalyptus honey. Finishes with a long sweet fruit and spice fade. A generous and super drinkable cognac for sipping. |
3 |
$80.00 |
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Ragnaud-Sabourin Domaine La Voute Unblended 35 yr old cognac (XO Quality)
Brilliant amber copper color. Fragrant orange marmalade, vanilla bean, flint and brown spice aromas. A soft supple entry leads to a rich dry yet fruity full bodied palate with vibrant peppery spices, caramel and ashy minerals. Finishes with a long charred wood, dried apple, toffee and white pepper fade. Elegant and supple with a great combination of fruitiness, peppery spice and terroir-like minerality. The favorite of the flight. |
12 |
$160.00 - $180.00 |
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Ragnaud-Sabourin Floriledge Unblended 45 yr old cognac (XO Quality)
Brilliant amber color. Deep aromas of dried autumn fruits, toffee, rich brown spices, toasty oak. a rich velvety entry leads to a dry yet fruity full bodied palate of rich brown spices, dark caramel, cocoa, and roasted nuts. Finishes with a very long fade of smoky oak, peppery spice and dried fruits. Exquisitely proportioned and balanced. Near perfection.
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2 |
$250.00 |
| Flight II: Vintage Cognac and Very old Blends |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Chateau de Beaulon XO/1971
A really superb XO, aged for over 30 years in oak (as opposed to the usual 10-20 years). The extra age has given a lovely softness and richness to the finished product. Grape varieties used are Folle Blanche, Colombard & Montils. These varieties are delicate and fragile to grow but inimitable in taste and aroma.
Deep amber color. Robust, sexy aromas of dried oranges and fruits, artisan chocolate toffee, leather, and marinated olives follow though to a seamlessly smooth fruity medium-full body with layers of dried fruits, honeyed nuts, lacquered cigar box, and exotic spices. Finishes with a long, spicy, warm, oak accented fade with hint of dusty tannins. A remarkably rich and flavorful XO with a smooth, lively, and graceful texture. Complex, elegant. Tied for favorite.
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8 |
$215.00 |
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Ragnaud-Sabourin Heritage Ragnaud a blend of 1902, 1903, and 1904 grape varieties Folle Blanche, Colombard, and Ugni Blanc
Orange marmalade aroma and taste. Wonderful. Long finish. Tied for favorite.
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8 |
$700.00 |
| Flight III: Dessert |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Chateau d Beaulon Pineau des Charentes
Made from 70% unfermented grape juice and 30% cognac. Grapes are picked by hand. |
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Chateau de Bealoun Pineau des Charentes 5year old Rose
Mahogany/deep rose/copper color. 15% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberry, black current, licorice, dried almond, honey, woody notes on nose and palate. |
5 |
$24.00 - $30.00 |
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Chateau de Bealoun Pineau des Charentes 5year old Blanc
80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc
Golden amber color. Like Sauternes. Aromas and flavors of figs, stones, white flowers, vanilla, prunes, quince, cheese, exotic fruit, crystallized fruit, honey, walnut, almond, plum, mandarins, dried apricots, and lime. Very complex. Lovely. The favorite of this flight.
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7 |
$48.00 - $55.00 |
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Chateau de Bealoun Pineau des Charentes 10 year old Blanc
80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc Very complex. Floral, honey, vanilla, prune, cinnamon, orange peel, gingerbread, and walnut aromas and flavors.
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4 |
$48.00 - 55.00 |
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