Normandin Mercier XO Grande Champagne ★

Spirit Name: Spirit Type:	Normandin Mercier XO Grande Champagne 诺曼底名士XO大香槟 Brandy 科涅克白兰地
Score:	90/100
ABV:	45%
Region:	Cognac, France
Body:	Fine
Intensity:	Soft
Texture:	Velvety
Balance:	Near perfect
Best served: Cru:	Neat Grande Champagne
Theme(s):	Gunpowder, burning, integrated, soft, layered, citrus, dried fruit, ripe fruit, fresh, cream, chocolate, vanilla, cocoa, spice, bonfire 火药，燃烧，集成，柔软，有层次感，柑橘，干果，成熟的水果，新鲜，奶油，巧克力，香草，可可，香料，篝火
Summary:	That distinctive Normandin Mercier gunpowder/bonfire burn shines but melds together with the other beautifully integrated character of citrus, ripe fruit, chocolate, cake, herbs and mild creaminess - this is distinctive cognac that offers the grace and finesse for which Grande Champagne is famous, but with a fiery and spicy "gunpowder" twist
Tasting notes:	Nose: Soft citrus notes of orange and lemon rind are interrupted by tart under-ripe green grapes that sweeten into a floral bouquet that carry notes of vanilla, caramel and chocolate mud cake (that occasionally morphs into baked cheese cake with chocolate piping) over which rests a dollop of thinned custard, sliced peaches in syrup and a sprig of fresh mint – this is a cognac that graces the nose with different bursts of character, and yet retains one distinct character. Within the sweetness is the smell of anise seed and soft calf leather that intermingles with dried tobacco, hay and mild racio. The nose on this cognac is very light, fresh and floral with finesse, elegance and some creaminess. Taste: The most difficult aspect of reviewing spirits is describing why a spirit is wonderful. This cognac is sublime, a work of art with flavours that meld together and yet ignite the taste buds. Why do I think this cognac is sublime? Firstly, the flavours are beautifully integrated and no flavours dominate – it is sweet, sour, bitter and savoury all at the same time. Secondly, it is highly complex once the integrated flavours unfurl.  Sharp bursts of gunpowder, cocoa and pepper ignite with wood notes that develop into the taste of a bonfire and an astringency that progressively dries the palate, after a warm glow of fresh figs that suddenly dry into dates and raisins coated with dark chocolate. Burn baby burn! Finish: Energetic and buzzing with cocoa and dried fruit, tart raspberries and herbaceous undertones of fresh mint, anise seed and saffron.
Likes:	Complexity, integration and uniqueness
Price:	€100