Germain-Robin XO California Alambic Brandy (75cl, 40%)

A California brandy from Germain-Robin, founded in 1982 by Ansley Coale and Hubert Germain-Robin. The XO is predominantly Pinot Noir, about 70%, with Colombard and Sémillon rounding out the blend. It is distilled on Prulho Charentais copper pot stills and aged in small Limousin French oak barrels; one review notes eleven years in those barrels. Pinot Noir gives dark cherry character and a rich silky mouthfeel, Colombard adds fresh apple, and Sémillon provides richness with peach and apricot notes, with vanilla and toast from the oak. The nose includes chocolate, dried cherry, spice, ginger, pink peppercorn, cinnamon, leather, walnut and unsweetened chocolate, with apricot leather on the finish.