Vallein Tercinier is a producer that we continue to circle back around to, and I think with good reason. A small house that offers pure unadulterated cognac. They offer quite a bit in the way of different vintages from various regions, as well as several great blends. There's a lot to dive into with this one house, and quality remains high. They're not all stunners, but there are quite a few that have become benchmark cognacs for me. Earlier in the year they released a new cognac blend, simply called 46°. It follows the ethos of the house being non-chillfiltered and unadulterated. This release is a blend of two batches of cognac; one 15 year from the Fins Bois region and one 25 year from the Bons Bois region. This is, of course, bottled at a respectable 46%.
Nose: Sweet and aromatic. A bowl of fresh fruit. Honey and stone fruits. Tobacco. Floral, as well, although don't ask me to name the types. It's a very inviting nose. Emphasis on freshness.
Taste: Similar to the nose. Starts with lightly spiced fruits and honey. Cinnamon dusted peaches and nectarines. Medium thick and slightly sticky mouthfeel.
Finish: The rich fruits move into a fresh, but slightly earthy finish. Light menthol, lime, grapefruit. There's also dried leather, pine. It's a touch creamy at the end. Lingers for quite a while with the brighter citrus.
Thoughts: Sitting down with a glass of this reminds me that I have had very little from this house that is younger than 40 years of age, and I've tasted quite a bit at this point. The 46° doesn't taste young, though. It just doesn't taste old, if that makes sense. There are some dimensions that come only with the extra rest in oak that aren't present here, but what that leaves us with is a very drinkable, fresh and expressive cognac with a focus on fruits. Nothing wrong with that! It is full of flavor, with good presence in mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts. I think this is the best value I’ve found in cognac. Available overseas for around $70.
Very Solid B+
No comments:
Post a Comment