2000s Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac (40%)

A 2000s bottling of Martell Cordon Bleu, an XO-level Cognac first created in 1912 by Edouard Martell and noted for its high proportion of Borderies eaux-de-vie. The blend includes spirits aged between 10 and 25 years and is bottled at 40% ABV. It is aged in Troncais oak barrels. Medium-dark amber with polished copper glints, it has a nose of milk chocolate, pineapple, mango, prunes, banana, candied orange, violet blossom, oak, gingerbread, cinnamon and toasted almond. The palate is balanced and silky, with raisins, sultanas, peach, watermelon, vanilla, mocha coffee, light spice, oak, Christmas cake and overripe fruit. The finish is long and fruit-driven, with apple, pear, blackberry, sharp cheddar, drying oak and spice.