Behind ‘door #11’ of our Cognac-Expert Advent Calendar (in fact, it‘’’s not doors but pouches), we found a Raymond Bossis XO Limited Edition N°1 Cognac. The Domaine des Groies, established in 1919 with its purchase by Philippe Bétard, has been managed by successive generations of the Bossis family. Auguste Bossis planted the first vines in 1924, assisted by his wife Marie, but it wasn’t until 1957, under the leadership of their son Raymond, that the vineyard began to grow. In 1960, the estate distilled its first Cognac, with the last bottles from that initial production sold nearly 50 years later, in 2008. Over the years, Raymond and his wife Michelle expanded the estate, focusing on direct sales and introducing Pineau des Charentes in the 1970s.
In 1993, Raymond’s son Jean-Luc took over, diversifying the estate’s offerings to include Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, traditional-method sparkling wines, and natural grape juice. His brother Jean-Marie joined in 2009, managing bottling and sales for domestic and international markets. Despite his advanced age, Raymond continues to play an active role, celebrating the estate‘’’s centenary in 2019 surrounded by family and friends.
Committed to sustainability, the Domaine des Groies practices integrated farming under the Optimus protocol and is working toward High Environmental Value (HVE) certification. As members of the Federation of Independent Winegrowers, they ensure direct involvement in all aspects of production, reflecting the family’s dedication to quality and tradition. Let’s shortly explain what the Optimus Protocol is below, then we’ll try this Raymond Bossis XO Limited Edition N°1 Cognac.
The Optimus Protocol
The Optimus protocol in the Cognac industry refers to a set of practices and guidelines aimed at promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture. Developed in partnership with stakeholders in the Cognac region, this protocol is designed to reduce the environmental impact of grape cultivation while maintaining high-quality production standards. It focuses on minimising the use of pesticides, protecting biodiversity, and improving soil health through responsible farming methods.
Viticulturists following the Optimus protocol often use techniques such as integrated pest management (IPM), which combines biological, cultural, and chemical tools to manage pests in an eco-conscious way. They also emphasise soil and water conservation, energy efficiency, and careful waste management. This approach aligns with broader efforts in the Cognac industry to support sustainability and adapt to the challenges of climate change.
The Optimus protocol is one of several initiatives aimed at encouraging producers to transition toward more responsible and environmentally sustainable practices, often serving as a step toward achieving certifications, such as High Environmental Value (HVE) or organic status.
Raymond Bossis XO Limited Edition N°1 Cognac Review
The Raymond Bossis XO Limited Edition N°1 Cognac was crafted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Raymond Bossis Estate. Created in collaboration with Sam Grégoire, the world’s first artist to paint using the chainsaw technique, this special edition celebrates both artistry and heritage.
This XO Cognac has been aged for over 40 years in a dry chai, using oak casks with wide grain and a strong toast from Tonnellerie Allary. It incorporates some of the maison’s oldest eaux-de-vie, drawn from the depths of their cellars. Bottled at 43% ABV, it has been reduced by only about 20%.
Of the 1,000 bottles produced, 19 were sold with an accompanying art piece by Sam Grégoire, priced at €1,919. The remaining bottles are priced at €119 RRP, though buyers should expect to pay at least €126, including on Raymond Bossis’ website, where you can find more information about this limited edition (in French).
Colour:
Auburn.
Nose:
Neat: Aromas of dark cherries, baked apples, lemon curd, and dried oranges, complemented by hints of blond tobacco. Subtle spices linger gently in the background.
Palate:
Neat: The palate reveals more wood influence than the nose suggests, with an intriguing, almost ashy mouthfeel – surprisingly pleasant. As it lingers, the woodiness intensifies but remains balanced, avoiding excessive bitterness. Notes of cedar wood emerge, accompanied by subtle hints of orange, ginger, and espresso. A leafy undertone, perhaps bay leaf, is there as well.
Finish:
Finish: Notes of orange, pepper, eucalyptus, menthol, and fennel intertwine with a woody character that is both dry and fresh. An unusual yet fascinating combination that leaves a lasting impression.
Comments:
The Raymond Bossis XO Limited Edition N°1 Cognac (quite the mouthful, isn’t it? – pun intended) is both complex and intriguing. The palate takes an unexpected turn from the nose, leaning into a woodier profile than anticipated – but it works beautifully. The finish surprises with a refreshing brightness not present on the palate, leaving you pleasantly taken aback and eager to explore further. A well-crafted cognac that is fairly priced for its age and quality.
