Day 5 of the Cognac-Expert advent calendar delivers a familiar name with a prestigious twist: a Vallein Tercinier Lot 96 Cognac. While we explored one of their Lot 96 single casks a few months back – a solid Fins Bois expression – this pouch elevates the game with Grande Champagne terroir, the crown jewel of cognac crus.
Vallein Tercinier Lot 96 Grande Champagne Cognac (2023) Review
Vallein Tercinier distilled the Lot 96 Brut de Fût Grande Champagne cognac from Ugni Blanc grapes using their 24-hectolitre still, with the lees. They matured it for 27 years in a French oak, medium toast cask (#218), starting in a dry cellar before moving it to a damp one. They bottled it in 2023 at cask strength (49.7%) without additives, producing 614 bottles. Some bottles remain available, for example at Cognac-Expert, priced around €167/$200/£135 at the time of writing.
Colour:
Amontillado.
Nose:
Neat: The nose opens with an elegant, sweet harmony. Almonds, lime tree leaves, and morello cherry take the lead, supported by ripe yellow peach, sweet pear, and apricot compote. Hints of baked apple and delicate vanilla emerge, while subtle smoke and toasted oak provide a refined backdrop without dominating.
Palate:
Neat: The palate delivers richness and indulgence while maintaining fresh acidity. Ripe citrus fruits blend into a creamy, custard-like texture on the attack. As it evolves, darker, spicier tones develop – quince, cloves, and nutmeg, as well as, once again, some smoke, add complexity. The alcohol integrates beautifully at 49.7% ABV, providing power without harshness.
Finish:
The finish lingers medium to long, soft and satisfying. Fine spices, dessert cream, and that creamy cherry and peach fruitiness persist, leaving a graceful, indulgent aftertaste.
Comments:
This Grande Champagne cognac showcases a remarkable balance between maturity and vibrant fresh fruit. The elegant nose, rich palate, and refined finish make it a highly drinkable expression that captures the finesse of Grande Champagne terroir. This single cask from Vallein Tercinier demonstrates excellent cask selection, delivering a fruit-forward cognac that has just a single problem: this is seriously dangerously drinkable. A chance the price stays reasonable, as you might quickly need a backup bottle.
Rating: 7.5/10
Advent calendar provided by Cognac-Expert.