François Voyer is among the strongholds of Malternative Belgium. After some fairly glorious Lot 77, Lot 71 and my favorite Lot 48, there are two brand-new releases popping out right this moment.
Cognac François Voyer Lot 90 ‘L’âge de ma femme’ – Grande Champagne (47,8%, Malternative Belgium 2024, 402 btl.)
Nostril: quinces and apricots, honeysuckle and bananas, in addition to tangerines and papaya. Then the everyday floral hints, like orange blossoms and jasmine. Somewhat vetiver maybe. Refined inexperienced tea leaves and a whiff of sandalwood beneath, with some darkish honey. Lovely freshness and fruitiness.
Mouth: a beautiful candy and bitter steadiness, exhibiting loads of fruits once more. Banana cake, peach, mango, melon, some litchi… Additionally bergamot and extra honey. Lovely rancio. In second row there are mildly gritty herbs and a few eucalyptus, including depth and energy.
End: actually lengthy, nonetheless filled with exuberant fruits, with mint and natural honey.
We have a tendency to think about the Nineteen Nineties as yesterday, however that is fairly sensible. Proper on the crossroads of magnificence and richness. Nice worth for cash too – a cognac of round 35 years for € 180 is an effective deal. Cheers to Ysatis! Obtainable from Malternative Belgium from right this moment.
Cognac François Voyer Lot 19.20 ‘Temps Magique’ – Grande Champagne (43,8%, Malternative Belgium 2024, 42 btl.)
Nostril: much more complexity. Leathery notes stand out, in addition to a worn waxy layer. Tobacco leaves and walnut husks. Then shy fruits come out, largely dried figs with hints of nectarine and tangerine peels on the aspect. It turns into brighter after some time within the glass, with floral honey and extra wooden polish. Far-off there’s additionally a pleasant trace of a dusty cellar.
Mouth: fairly velvety, with agency rancio notes now, shifting forwards and backwards between fruity acidity, polished oak and natural notes. Hints of bergamots, pineapple and tangerine, in addition to dried cranberries and aniseed. Cigar leaves and sandalwood, together with some chestnut honey in the long run. At all times an earthy undertone and mint.
End: not extraordinarily lengthy, however fading graciously on honey and dried fruits, in addition to mint and tobacco.
A timeless cognac actually. Extra advanced than the Lot 90 and a complete pleasure to sip. Unimaginable freshness in spite of everything these years. Additionally accessible from right this moment, however very restricted after all. Rating: 92/100