The youngest Cognac in this blend of 40 different Grande Champagne Cognacs is at least 50 years old. Butter, honey, and dried fruit waft up from the glass. The nearly bite-free palate has complex flavors including dried fruit, honey, coffee, citrus, spices, caramel and toasted oak. The finish lingers, revisiting
Hardy ages its V.S.O.P. (Very Special Old Pale) Cognac for 8 years, twice the minimum permitted under French law. The eaux-de-vie comes from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, the Cognac region's two finest crus. Packaging is very fine for the VSOP level, and pricing very reasonable. The rich nose shows butter,
Dry, tart fruits and layers of flavors, in search of good food for pairing. The nose shows sherry stones, birch beer, and cranberry. Loads of red fruits, cherries, cranberries, and pomegranate, dry and tart. Tannins aren't overpowering, but clearly present, with a gentle but solid grip. Subtle undertones of licorice
Cherries, cola, and dried strawberries show on the nose. Cherries and pomegranate are joined by pencil lead and sage. A root beer flavor comes out on the mid-palate. Tannins are gentle, acids are bright. This is light and fresh, a wine that will complement, rather than compete with, food. Drink
The nose shows lime, apple, and white flowers. The palate shows the full, round mouth-feel you hope to find in a Pinot Gris. Peaches and white flowers lead, with very light flavors of sweet lime on the finish. Drink with fresh-caught trout. Recommended. 87 points. WHO: Innocent Bystander WHAT: Pinot
Like the front lawn on a summer day. Cut grass and tropical fruits show on the nose. The palate has grass, pineapple, then mango. The finish adds lingering lemon. Remarkably bright and fresh, this will contrast well with foods prepared with mayo. Pair with lobster rolls. Recommended. 88 points. WHO:
Interesting and elusive nose, first mango, then apple, then a melange of tropical fruit, all with butter in the background. The palate is all tropical fruits, mango and fried plantain, baked pineapple and butter. Mouth-feel is smooth, round, with just a hint of zingy freshness. Drink with a Cobb Salad.
The aromas of apples and pears baking in a pie waft up from the glass. This is pillow-soft on the palate. All the flavors are just as soft, showing baked fruit, cantaloupe, butter and a bit of vanilla. The finish lingers quite a while. Drink with fried catfish and coleslaw.