1990 Cognac de Collection Jean Grosperrin Fins Bois Cognac (700ml)

Tasting note: Bottled in 2018. Deep amber. Initially woody and slightly acidic, a subtle musky edge develops before the fruitiness emerges as dried fig, apricot and pear. Better definition after five minutes air contact. A lively Cognac with crisp acidity and moderate fruitiness through the middle stages (dried fig and apricots). The aftertaste leaves traces of vanilla and late liquorice. Medium long. 45.7% Alc./Vol.

Jean Grosperrin initially worked as a Cognac broker, evaluating eaux-de-vie and introducing buyers. He now has a collection of atypical and rare Cognacs that he releases at natural strength. This is one from Fins Bois, a lesser known appellation that surrounds all three of the major crus making it the largest zone in the region (354,200ha). Chalky soils over a hard limestone base produce brandies that are known to peak fairly quickly, around 10-12 years, so they're often used to soften the harder edge of the better Cognacs when young.