Maison Dudognon enjoys a long history in Cognac's grand cru: Grande Champagne. From their history as grower/negociants from 1776 to the modern era post 1970 where they no longer sell to cognac's big houses, the quality of their vineyards and brandies have been held to the highest regard.
One could cite their old vines of ugni blanc, their minuscule alembic stills, or even their painstaking French barrel selection -- whatever the cause, the cognacs speak of remarkable purity and sense of place. The "Vieille Reserve" is a blend of barrels that averages 20 years of age -- this is just enough time for the grapes from the chalky vineyards to shed their tough, mineral youth and show the latent fruit and nutty cognac flavors held beneath.
Maison Dudognon enjoys a long history in Cognac's grand cru: Grande Champagne. From their history as grower/negociants from 1776 to the modern era post 1970 where they no longer sell to cognac's big houses, the quality of their vineyards and brandies have been held to the highest regard. One could cite their old vines of ugni blanc, their minuscule alembic stills, or even their painstaking French barrel selection -- whatever the cause, the cognacs speak of remarkable purity and sense of place. The "Vieille Reserve" is a blend of barrels that averages 20 years of age -- this is just enough time for the grapes from the chalky vineyards to shed their tough, mineral youth and show the latent fruit and nutty cognac flavors held beneath.
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ageNAS
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Cost
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abv43.0
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CognacBrandy distilled in a delimited region within France from specific grapes. Must be double-distilled to no higher than 72% abv. Required to be aged in oak for at least 2 years. Also, if labeled as the following, minimum aging is: VS-2 years, VSOP-4 years, Napoléon 6 years, XO-10 years (as of April 2018).
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Cask TypeFrench oak
Tasting Notes
"Cognac Dudognon Vieille Réserve is a big step up from their younger two bottlings. The oak has integrated quite nicely around the brandy's core of violets and honey. The fruit tastes honest: that is not derived from caramel syrup or other additions. Cognac like this excites the whole sensory spectrum. It starts visually with a beautiful straw-gold color with streaks of amber, and then bursts aromatically with spring flowers, orange pith, and lemon custard. These flavors continue in the mouth, but are joined with orange and vanilla candy and a finish of rancio that goes long with a touch of savory spice. One of cognac's most authentic expressions at a very fair price."
Added by
John Rankin
Score
97