Hine Grand Champagne Cognac 1988 – Landed 1990, Bottled 2005
70cl / 40% (OUT OF STOCK)
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- Region: France
A highly specific single vintage Cognac, distilled in the stellar 1988 harvest, aged for 17 years and prized for its extended maturation in humid British cellars.
At-a-Glance:
| Distillery: Hine | |
| Bottler: Independent (e.g., Bristol Brandy Co. or Tanners Wines) | |
| Country & Region: France, Grande Champagne (Single Vintage) | |
| Category: Early Landed / Late Bottled Vintage Cognac | |
| Age: 17 Years Old | |
| Vintage: 1988 | |
| Bottled: Circa 2005 (17 years after distillation) | |
| ABV & Size(s): 40% / 70cl | |
| Cask / Treatment: Aged for 2 years in Jarnac, then shipped to the UK for extended maturation in humid cellars (Early Landed) | |
| Natural Colour: Not stated by the producer | |
| Non-Chill-Filtered: Not stated by the producer | |
| Cask Strength: No | |
| Bottle count / Outturn: Not stated by the producer (Limited single vintage parcel) | |
| Intended channel: UK Specialist Wine Merchants / Collector Release | |
| Packaging: Typically presented in original cartons. | |
| Notes on discrepancies: Bottling years vary (2004, 2005, 2006) depending on the specific merchant and maturation period, but the 1988 vintage and 1990 "Landed" year are consistent. |
Historical Context
This bottling is an outstanding example of Hine's signature practice of producing Early Landed Cognacs. This tradition, dating back to the 19th century, involves shipping young Cognac (aged only the legal minimum of around two years in Jarnac, France) to the cool, humid cellars of the UK, often in Bristol, for extended maturation (S_R22, S_R38). The cooler, more humid environment of the British coast results in a style of Cognac that is distinctly different from its French-aged cousins-it is typically softer, more powerful, yet retains finesse and less aggressive wood influence.
The 1988 vintage itself is noted as a stellar year for the Cognac and Bordeaux regions. This specific bottle was distilled from grapes grown exclusively in the Premier Cru, Grande Champagne, the region most famous for producing eaux-de-vie with the greatest ageing potential. The bottling was executed around 2005 (bottled 17 years after distillation) for UK wine merchants such as Tanners Wines and the Bristol Brandy Co., confirming its specific provenance.
These vintage, single-cru, early-landed bottlings are revered by connoisseurs for providing a transparent, unblended liquid snapshot of a specific harvest year and a unique example of maturation influence.
- Technical Specification & Variant Map
The 1988 Early Landed is defined by its single vintage and unique, cold-storage maturation process.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 40% ABV/70cl is the standard format for these vintage releases.
- Bottling Year: Bottlings from the 1988 vintage have been documented in 2004, 2005 (Landed 1990), and 2006 (Landed 1990) depending on the bottler (e.g., Tanners or Bristol Brandy Co.).
- Provenance: Grande Champagne (single cru).
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | UK Merchant Exclusive | Vintage 1988, Early Landed (UK cellar maturation) | Highest (Verified single vintage, unique maturation) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The label must clearly state "Vintage 1988" and "Grande Champagne." It should also carry the "Landed" and "Bottled" dates, confirming its Early Landed status. The label may also carry a Royal Warrant, signifying Hine's appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II. The bottles are typically sold in original presentation cartons.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is Vintage Cognac, meaning all eaux-de-vie are from the 1988 harvest. Early Landed is a specific Hine term denoting maturation in the UK. Grande Champagne confirms the Premier Cru source.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is typically bold and structured, benefiting from the humid cellar maturation.
Nose: Not stated by the producer.
Palate: Powerful yet smooth, with the hallmark elegance of Grande Champagne terroir. It delivers notes of vibrant tannins, warm spices, dried fruits, honey, vanilla, and oak.
Finish: Long and smooth.
With water: Not applicable at 40% ABV.
- Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
This single vintage Early Landed Cognac is a moderately high-value asset, with strong demand among vintage specialists.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Bottle (70cl) price is circa 174.24 GBP.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 110.00 GBP (Lot 203228, 2024), 468.00 GBP (May 2013, for a 12-bottle lot, equating to approx. 39.00 GBP per bottle).
Pricing stratification: The single bottle price of 174.24 GBP reflects the rarity of its vintage and single-cru provenance. The low auction hammer prices for large lots (e.g., 39.00 GBP per bottle) suggest that the market views it as excellent high-volume drinking stock. The price has appreciated significantly since 2013.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low for individual bottles. Sourcing is restricted to specialized vintage merchants.
Price Snapshot:
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Specialist) | Current | 70cl / 40% ABV (Bottle) | 174.24 | UK Retail Listing |
| Auction (Hammer) | Not specified | 70cl / 40% ABV (Bottle) | 110.00 | Winning bid |
| Auction (Hammer Context) | May 2013 | 70cl / 40% ABV (12-bottle lot) | 468.00 | Winning bid for the lot (39.00 GBP per bottle) |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Hine is one of the few Cognac houses that strictly specializes in Fine Champagne and maintains a strong focus on single vintage bottlings. The company's unique "Early Landed" approach is a legacy practice, where young spirit is matured in the UK's cooler, more humid cellars for at least 20 years, a method which results in highly prized, softer, and less woody spirits.
Sourcing
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The 70cl, 1988 vintage. Seek bottles bottled for Tanners Wines or similar UK merchants.
- Red flags to avoid: Be cautious of bottles where the "Landed" or "Bottled" dates are missing or inconsistent.
- Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Excellent label and capsule condition is expected.
- Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: Velocity is low. Margin potential is moderate to strong due to its vintage status.
