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96
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Introduction to Frapin
Frapin is located in the centre of the Grande Champagne Premier Cru du Cognac region in the sleepy little town of Segonzac, the finest designated region in Cognac. It is the only merchant located in the town and only sells Cognacs produced from grapes sourced from its own 778 acre estate in the heart of the Grande Champagne region.
The Frapin family have been winegrowers since 1270 and mostly sold their Cognacs to Remy Martin, Hennessy, Courvoisier and other houses until the 1980's. Since 1984, when the Cointreau family took over what was then a forgotten brand, it has been selling increasing quantities of brandies. These brandies have been kept in new wood for longer than their competitors, so confident are they with the quality of it's brandies , the size of its stocks represent 18 years of sales (an amount of 2 to 3 times the quantity of the stocks held by its competitors).
Frapin keeps its best cognacs in new oak for up to 2 and a half years, depending on the amount of colour (and therefore tannin) the spirit has absorbed.
Tasting Notes
Deep polished copper. Lovely aromas include dried fig, new leather and cigar box. Develops extra fruit focus and honey with further air contact. Incredibly soft in the mouth with dry and delicate flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate and hints of caramel in the finish. Deepens as it unfolds in stages.
This XO cognac is the fruit of long ageing in dry cellars, which gives it a subtle, complex, refined, long-lasting bouquet consisting of candied fruit aromas (dried apricot, dried fig), marzipan, hazelnut, nougat, then port notes and finally the famous ‘rancio’ character. Balanced, rich and complex on the palate with aromas of dried fruits and candied fruits and an exceptionally long finish. Add a drop of water to Château Fontpinot XO to let the aromas breathe and soften the power of the cognac.
Awards
Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020 USA - 95/100 'Great Value'
Cognac Masters 2019 UK - Gold Medal
ISW 2019 Germany - Gold Medal
International Spirits Challenge 2018 UK - Gold Medal
Cognac Masters 2017 UK - Gold Medal
Cognac Masters 2016 UK - Master
World Cognac Awards 2016 UK - World’s Best VSOP
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Sweet
- Dry
- Smooth
- Complex
- Delicate
- Full Flavoured
Classification: Spirits
Variety: Cognac
Vintage: None
Bottle Size: 350ml
Country: France
Region: Cognac,
Alcohol %: 41.0%
Cellaring: Ready, but will Keep
Scores
96 / 100"One of my favorite XOs, aged for 20 years in Frapin’s dry cellars, to highlight finesse and elegance. Made exclusively from grapes harvested around Frapin’s Fontpinot castle, in Segonzac, the heart of Grande Champagne. Copper-orange in color. The nose is alive with fresh flowers and mint, along with richer aromas of dried apricot, pastry dough and a hint of rancio. The freshness carries onto the palate, where there’s great linear structure, nuttiness and attractive acidity, and the surprisingly intense grilled walnut finish. This is a lively, drinkable style of XO that offers excellent value.’ 96 points, Jason Wilson, Vinous, September 2019"
- Vinous
