Cognac Petite Champagne "94 Heritage" — Spirits from the Source Selection

Lot: R3B1, New Cellar
ABV: 51.7%


Distilled in: 1994
Bottled in: September 2026
Grape Varieties: 95% Ugni Blanc, 5% Colombard


This 1994 single cask from Bertrand is for us the epitome of grower Cognac, a rare, elusive breed in the region. Unlike in Armagnac, smaller farmer Cognac producers have been historically rare as most of the production is concentrated in the cellars of the so-called big four distillers.

Distilled from majority Ugni Blanc, the iconic Cognac grape, by the grandmother of Therese in 1994, this was selected by us earlier this year and bottled at the domaine this month. The fruit comes from the estates holdings in the Petite Champagne appellation (no bubbles here, the two best Cognac crus are called Grande et Petite Champagne, a name derived from the Latin campania, for countryside, though some also note the resemblance of the iconic chalky limestone bedrock layer of these two crus that ressembles that of the Champagne wine region).

TASTING NOTES:

This might as well be a bourbon on the nose; mild vanilla, touch of chocolate; after a moment in the glass, a blast of citrus oils, then bruised stone fruits, citrus and caramel with wood.

The palate is decisively fruit-driven Cognac, defined by elegance and balance that belies its age. Spiced caramel and burnt brown sugar with spices hits the tongue at first sip, followed by vivid fruit (fresh peach, melon, tropical fruit). Delicate spice, wood and leather linger through the finish. A long, nuanced and satisfying Cognac.