Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges 2022

"Created by Maurice Hennessy in 1870 for his circle of friends, X.O was born at a turning point in history and introduced a new style of cognac: bold, rich and complex. The 100 eaux-de-vie assembled to create X.O were aged for a long time – some for 30 years – to give an unparalleled robustness. Maurice Hennessy gave the name X.O to this unique 'extra old' cognac. Its intense and deep amber color is a sign of its strength. Its flavors of candied fruit and its subtle and lightly spicy nose create a complete harmony: a mark of its roundness. To taste, a smooth, full sensation gives a simultaneously powerful and soft tonality with a hint of cocoa and a warm fruity presence. The long finish expresses all the complexity of the cognac’s blending and its long aging process." —producer

"Château Bernateau is a beautiful estate spreading over 18 acres benefiting from an incredible soil made of clay and limestone hilldsides and limestone plateau. This rare terroir is planted of 72% of Merlot, 25% of Cabernet and 3% of Petit Verdot. The LAVAU family runs the estate since 8 generations now and make a complex, racy Saint-Emilion Grand Cru." —winemaker

Blend: 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

"The color is an elegant golden straw yellow with amber highlights. Its aromas are radiant, revealing bright yellow-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, yellow peach), honey, floral nuances (lime blossom) and elegant blond notes (brioche and fresh nuts). The palate is seductive, richly flavorful and smooth combining generosity and subtlety, fullness and vigor, followed by a delicately fresh crispiness (fruit with seeds), to reveal the magical balance of Champagne." —winemaker

Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay

"Dark and very intense colour of deep ruby. Ripe aromas of small black fruit dominate (blackcurrant, blackberry), though with good freshness. The palate is fleshy, with a nice touch of tannin. Long, caressing finish. To be watched during ageing, which will seek to bring out the harmony and the balance." —winemaker

Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot