Francois Voyer Terres de Grande Champagne

Nose: Subtle, earthy, almost sweaty fruit - dried figs and dates. Apricot nectar aroma together with elderflower, honey, clove and vanilla. As it opens in the glass an herbal note emerges, and very surprisingly there is lingering jasmine on the dry glass. Overall it’s a soft, earthy floral profile. Palate: Very smooth and silken arrival featuring honeyed fruitcake and stonefruits. This expands into a warm and softly oaked development with mild cinnamon spice and vanilla. A hint of cocoa comes forward in the later palate, but it remains soft with just a touch of tannin. The texture is very pleasant, slightly drying, but the light sweet character is always present. Finish: Medium. The spice and tannin gently fade leaving a subtle aftertaste of vanilla and just a touch of herbs, licorice and oak. A better than average Grande Champagne cognac produced entirely from the 28 hectare Voyer estate. This is of at least 5 years maturity, making it effectively a VSOP, but there is content up to 15 years old. At the price it is good value and the equal of similarly priced cognacs I've tasted. The overall profile is well balanced but veers just a fraction too much towards sweetness. The body is light which is something I've noticed with other single-origin cognac (it’s a refreshing change) and the mouth-feel is pleasant. The only criticisms I’d make are that the spirit shows youth, simplicity and sweetness, however at the price point that’s not a deal-breaker for me. It’s acceptable for neat sipping and works well in cocktails. "Above Average" : 81/100 (3 stars)