Hine VSOP Cognac Bottled 1990s
70cl / 40%
£149.00
- Region: France
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A vintage VSOP Fine Champagne blend from the 1990s, renowned for its consistent quality and widely bottled in the collectible 1 Litre format.
At-a-Glance:
| Distillery: Hine | |
| Bottler: Thomas Hine & Co. | |
| Country & Region: France, Cognac (Fine Champagne) | |
| Category: Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) Cognac | |
| Age: Aged 6 to 12 years (Average age of blend) | |
| Vintage: Not stated by the producer | |
| Bottled: Circa 1990s | |
| ABV & Size(s): 40% / 100cl (1 Litre) (Also 70cl/75cl) | |
| Cask / Treatment: Aged in French Limousin oak barrels (Blend of over 25 eaux-de-vie) | |
| 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 (High volume core range) | |
| Intended channel: Travel Retail (TR) / Export | |
| Packaging: Standard glass bottle. | |
| Notes on discrepancies This vintage bottling is distinct from both the earlier "Vieille" labels and the current modern branding, making it a desirable period piece. |
Historical Context
This 1990s bottling of Hine VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac represents the classic, high-volume standard of the Hine core range during the final decade of the 20th century. Hine has maintained a reputation for quality since 1763, with its VSOP blend consistently winning international awards.
The liquid is a Fine Champagne blend, guaranteeing that it is composed entirely of eaux-de-vie from the superior Grande and Petite Champagne regions. These vintage bottles are often found in the 100cl (1 Litre) format, which confirms their origin as a major product line for the lucrative Travel Retail and Export markets. The 1990s marked a period of robust global trade before the subsequent industry consolidation.
This specific vintage is of interest to collectors because it often features slightly different packaging and labelling elements from earlier and later releases, distinguishing it as a specific period piece in the Hine lineage. As a large volume, reliable product, it establishes a benchmark for the quality of aged Cognac available to consumers in that era.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 40% ABV/100cl (1 Litre) is the common Travel Retail format found in auctions.
- 40% ABV/70cl and 75cl formats also exist.
- The liquid is aged for 6 to 12 years on average.
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 100cl (1 Litre) | Travel Retail/Vintage | 1990s bottling | Highest (Superior volume for the same price) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The label must clearly state VSOP and the Fine Champagne appellation. The 100cl volume and 40% ABV are standard. This vintage bottling is likely to have a screwcap closure and should be inspected for label discolouration or wear typical of the 1990s era.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is a Fine Champagne Cognac (AOC). VSOP denotes a minimum age of four years for the youngest component. The blend is married in French Limousin oak barrels.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is typically delicate, fruity, and highly elegant, characteristic of Fine Champagne.
Nose: Not stated by the producer. (Expected to be strong and vibrant, with notes of dried fruit, flowers, and vanilla).
Palate: Not stated by the producer. (Expected to be smooth, expressing fruity flavours with notes of ginger, chocolate, and orange).
Finish: Not stated by the producer. (Expected to be smooth, fading into soft oak and dried fruits).
With water: Not applicable at 40% ABV.
- Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Hine VSOP 1990s bottling is a low-value commodity, with high liquidity in the auction market.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): 150.00 GBP (100cl secondary retail asking price).
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 75.00 GBP (Lot 149108, unspecified date), 55.00 GBP (Lot 137812, unspecified date), 40.00 GBP (Mar 2024, 100cl).
Pricing stratification: The large 100cl format provides the most liquid value. The auction price is low, confirming its high volume and commodity status.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high due to its frequent appearance at auction. Sourcing is simple, particularly the 100cl format.
Price Snapshot:
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Specialist) | Current | 100cl / 40% ABV | 150.00 | Secondary Retail Listing |
| Auction (Hammer) | Not specified | 100cl / 40% ABV | 75.00 | Winning bid |
| Auction (Hammer) | Not specified | 100cl / 40% ABV | 55.00 | Winning bid |
| Auction (Hammer) | Mar 2024 | 100cl / 40% ABV | 40.00 | Winning bid |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Hine is a prestigious Cognac house that focuses exclusively on eaux-de-vie from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus (Fine Champagne). The house specializes in elegance, delicacy, and the complex art of blending, and the VSOP is a core component of their portfolio. The house style is defined by a commitment to fruit-forward, less aggressively oaked spirits.
- Sourcing
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The 100cl, 40% ABV bottling for high volume and good value.
- Red flags to avoid: Avoid bottles with low fill levels, as the price is too low to tolerate liquid loss.
- Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Standard fill level expected.
- Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: High velocity expected. Margin is low but steady due to reliable consumer demand.
