LES HAUTS DE SMITH 2017 – 750ML

‘Red’ is a reference to the reddish colour of aged oak. These barrels, crafted from fine-grained oak, have already been used to age eaux-de-vie and have reached the perfect stage of maturity before being selected for this cognac. Martell VSOP Aged in Red Barrels perfectly highlights Martell’s unique ageing style.

Luscious fruit notes fuse deliciously with hints of wood and soft spices from the red barrels, creating an impression of elegance and perfect balance.

Rémy Martin VSOP is composed of eaux-de-vie coming exclusively from the highest-quality vineyards of Cognac, the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Such eaux-de-vie offer an exceptional ageing potential and are known as Cognac Fine Champagne.

In 1927, Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master André Renaud created the very first VSOP Fine Champagne. Moreover, it is a truly visionary and audacious decision. This prestigious appellation would be officially recognized 11 years later as an AOC. AOC= (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée – a specific growing area protected by French law).

Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is a balanced cognac, expressing 200 years of Hennessy’s know-how. The fruit of nature’s uncertainties, this unique blend has tamed the elements to craft and embody the original concept of cognac. The emotion awakened by the pleasure of tasting it continually reveals new facets of its personality.

The savoir-faire of the Maison Hennessy is fully expressed in this balanced cognac: the selection of eaux-de-vie, aging and assemblage. A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years.

Martell VSOP is a blend of eaux-de-vie, the youngest of which has aged for at least 4 years. This cognac offers a perfect balance between the lusciously fine, fruity notes and the subtle woody overtones. Elegant and harmonious, Martell VSOP is an authentic expression of the Martell style.

In 1870, Maurice Hennessy created Hennessy X.O for his circle of friends and introduced a new style of cognac. Hennessy X.O is the Original, the emblematic icon of the Hennessy Maison.
Deep and powerful, the eaux-de-vie of this Hennessy X.O cognac are aged in young barrels and marked out by their power and energy, but also by their capacity to achieve a great roundness through time.

Our Tasting Committee has explored every facet of the blend and identified several emotions that were assimilated to an Odyssey through 7 chapters:

• Sweet Notes: The palate is warmly embraced by flavors of candied fruit.
• Rising Heat: The intriguing sensation of an intense, rising heat slowly reveals the complex taste of eaux-de-vie patiently aged in oak barrels.
• Spicy Edge: Perception of a strong spicy cognac note, tantalising the lips and palate with its distinct peppery flavor intertwined with a hint of chocolate.
• Flowing Flame: A wave of warmth grows, crests and then breaks. A robust presence, full and voluptuous, is felt.
• Chocolate Lull: There is the gradual discovery of something very familiar. It is the well-rounded flavor of a rich, dark chocolate.
• Wood Crunches: A striking sensation is suddenly felt – the vigorous ebb and flow of oak notes interlaced with vanilla.
• Infinite Echo: The evanescent oak notes leave a long, omnipresent finish in their wake. Seemingly endless, it echoes all of the subtleties of each taste and sensation that has preceded it.

A superbly stylish cognac whose name refers to the old French saying, ‘noblesse oblige’ (nobility carries obligation). The bottle’s contemporary design carries strong cues of elegance and sophistication.Abundant fruit notes of pear and prune, exotic hints of vanilla pod and caramelised grape, and a distinctive woody character with notes of myrrh, cedar and fine-grained oak.