France
Vaudon 1996 Cognac
Ripe plum and cherry lead a powerful yet elegant aroma, with sandalwood giving the fruit a calm, seasoned frame. The palate is broad and composed, moving into rose petal, orange peel and spicy wood. Floral lift keeps the mature character from feeling heavy. The finish is deep and persistent, leaving citrus oil, polished oak and a final echo of dark fruit.
Vaudon XO Cognac
Violet and subtle fruit lead a delicate, composed aroma, followed by mango, walnut and candied orange peel. The palate is soft and silky, with exotic fruit bringing brightness while gentle oak and nutty depth add structure. Richness remains polished rather than heavy. The finish is long and elegant, carrying floral tones, orange oil, walnut and quiet warming spice.
Vaudon VSOP Cognac
Toffee, honey and salted caramel open with ripe plum and fig. The palate is smooth and delicately rounded, moving from candied fruit into white fruit and soft floral tones. Limousin oak contributes measured depth without masking the fruit. The finish is gentle and harmonious, leaving caramel, dried fruit, blossom and a quiet trace of warming spice.
Vaudon VS Cognac
Fresh pear and apricot lead the aroma, joined by vanilla and a light berry brightness. The palate opens supple and delicate, then gains gentle weight as clean white-fruit flavours develop through the middle. A slight liquorice note brings contrast without disturbing the spirit’s balance. The finish is smooth and softly warming, returning to pear, vanilla and restrained fruit sweetness.
Domaine de Joy XO 10 Year Old Bas-Armagnac
Vanilla and white flowers rise first, followed by caramel and polished oak. The palate is soft and balanced, with rounded sweetness framed by gentle wood spice and a supple texture. New Gascon and Limousin oak bring both character and elegance. The finish is long and composed, leaving vanilla, caramel, flowers and a clean echo of oak.
Meukow VSOP Red Edition Cognac
Candied orange, apple and plum rise with rose and polished wood spice. The palate is broad and smooth, moving from fruit sweetness into leather, liquorice and dark coffee. Vanilla softens the structure without obscuring the brandy’s dry edge. The finish is intense but controlled, leaving coffee, bitter cocoa, orange peel and warm spice. Serve neat or with a single large cube.
Delamain Pale & Dry XO Cognac
Vanilla, apricot and passion fruit rise first, followed by orange zest and a gentle almond note. The palate is finely textured and bright, with ripe fruit balanced by measured oak and warming spice. Ginger gives the middle a clean lift while citrus oil keeps the richness precise. The finish is persistent and composed, carrying candied orange, almond, vanilla and quiet spice.
Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac
Fresh apricot opens with vanilla and a polished touch of mellow oak. The palate is rounded and supple, with soft fruit sweetness framed by warm spice and a quiet toasted note. The texture remains smooth and composed rather than heavy. The finish is persistent and gently warming, leaving apricot, vanilla, fine spice and seasoned wood in balance.
Le Gin de Christian Drouin
Fresh apple and juniper give the aroma an immediate lift, followed by rose, lemon peel and a fine thread of ginger. The palate is smooth and rounded, layering vanilla, cinnamon, almond and cardamom over bright orchard fruit. Floral citrus keeps the spice precise rather than heavy. The finish is clean and gently warming, with apple, juniper and sweet spice returning in an elegant, aromatic line.
Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin
Juniper forms the dry, steady core, brightened by fresh lemon and coriander. Orris root adds floral lift, while angelica brings an earthy line beneath the citrus. A grape-based spirit gives the palate a rounder texture and a subtle fruit note without making it sweet. The finish is poised and refreshing, returning to citrus peel, herbs, gentle florals and clean juniper.
Domaine de Villalin 2023 Quincy Cuvee Tradition
Lemon and grapefruit lead a bright, aromatic profile, joined by acacia, white flowers and a gentle peppery lift. The palate is smooth and lightly textured, with fresh citrus carrying through a clean, energetic finish. Its balance of fruit and freshness makes it easy at the table. Serve well chilled with oysters, goat cheese, grilled fish or simply prepared green vegetables.
Fauvin 2019/22 Chenas Tradition
Coquard Le Coq Beaujolais
A bright, gently tannic Beaujolais with wild raspberry, red cherry and a touch of blackcurrant. The palate is light to medium in body, with fresh acidity and a quiet mineral note keeping the fruit precise. Serve it slightly cool as an aperitif or alongside roast chicken, pâté, mushrooms and other dishes that suit Gamay’s lively, savoury side.
Coquard 2019 Julienas ‘Jules Cesar’
A layered French red with crushed pomegranate, orange zest and red tea, lifted by a soft waft of vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied, with tight, fine-grained tannins giving shape to the aromatic fruit and a flavourful finish. Give it a little air, then serve with roast poultry, grilled pork, mushrooms or gently spiced charcuterie.
Clos Lapeyre 2016 Vitatge Vielh Jurançon Sec
Ripe green fruit and citrus lead a concentrated, full-flavoured white, lightly touched with honey. The palate is rich and intense yet remains composed, with the two Manseng varieties bringing both weight and freshness. A powerful, expressive style for roast fish, creamy poultry dishes or firm mountain cheeses.
Lapeyre 2019 Jurancon Sec
An aromatic dry white built around Gros Manseng, with dried apricot, peach, vanilla and a gentle floral note. Citrus and toast add lift and savoury detail on the palate, while the medium-bodied texture carries into a long, clean finish. Its balance of ripe fruit and freshness suits roast poultry, richer fish, creamy cheeses or lightly spiced dishes.
Corbillieres 2022 Touraine Sauvignon
A refreshing white wine that boasts vibrant acidity against a backdrop of bright fruit flavours. The nose presents citrus and tropical fruit aromas, followed by a lush palate of green apple and grapefruit, finally ending with a crisp, clean finish. A perfect match for seafood dishes, salads, or as an aperitif.
Chatelet 2018 Hautes Cotes De Nuits
A savoury red Burgundy with strawberry, red cherry, violet and a quiet thread of spice. The palate is medium-bodied and finely textured, with gentle tannins and refreshing acidity giving the fruit clarity and lift. It has the balance to drink well on its own, though roast poultry, mushroom dishes and simply prepared pork bring out its earthy, understated side.