Raymond Ragnaud Selection Cognac

Nose: A quiet, lightly fruity, almost dainty opening aroma of oolong tea, distant jasmine blossoms and sultanas gives way to deeper apricot and dried fig notes as it opens. Sauternes, poached pear, peaches, honey, a soupçon of marzipan and wood aromas appear over time. It’s a delightful nose that continues to evolve gaining depth and richness but never losing its clean, supple character. Palate: Sweet, light arrival showcasing stone fruits (nectarine, apricot, peach) with just a hint of white pepper and tannin spice at the sides of the tongue. Very clean and crisp, there is a touch of vanilla and wood. A floral, nectar-like thread of honey permeates the palate and the texture, whilst light, is satisfying and enticing. Finish: Medium. Demi-sec fruity notes leading into the mildest of oak aftertaste with faint bitter orange. This is a sprightly and alluring young cognac. Matured for 4 years (and so a VS) it is the antithesis of dark and all too frequently over-aged examples of the spirit. The profile leans towards sweetness but is held in check by crisp acidity from start to finish. There is much about this that is comparable to a reisling. It’s satisfying as a sipping cognac and works well in cocktails, but it is easily overpowered in the company of less delicate flavours, so reserve it for use in subtle mixed drinks. There is a light honey presence and soft fruitiness throughout that surprisingly brings Highland Park to mind. It is blended exclusively from Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie derived from the 47 hectare Ragnaud family vineyards and is aged initially in new Limousin oak before being re-racked to older casks. There are few better demonstrations of the fact that a young cognac has nothing for which to apologize. This is a good cognac and it is reasonably priced. “Good” : 84/100 (3.75 stars)

Figs, prunes, orange peel, apricot, tobacco and very light toffee. One of the sweeter styles of cognac I’ve tried. (It’s not many)