By Pieter Knapen - Malternative Belgium:

In the summer and at Christmas in 2021 we already realized a lot 65 and 1992 vintage of this high esteemed cognac house. During a visit early 2023, we were in the right place at the right time, Pascal and Christophe had just selected some casks of exceptional quality that were considered bottle-ripe. We experienced some unique moments in the cellar, tasting these treasures makes you humble. This lot 60/70 was the highlight of the afternoon for us. After consultation, this cask also turned out to have been selected by our friends in Norway (absolute conaisseurs of the house), luckily they did not order the complete cask but 120 bottles so that there was also some left for us, thanks! This bottling is a marriage of trust and mutual respect.

The total cask therefore contained 498 bottles, of which 378 came to Malternative Belgium, an honour! This lot 60/70 is a composition of mainly '60s, with some '70s added about 20 years ago. Probably for logistical reasons. This perfectly aged grande champagne has undergone a natural reduction of up to 43.1%. Makes it wonderfully drinkable (quaffable) but also very complex. With lots of tropical fruit, acacia honey, apricot, menthol, ripe white plums and orange zest. The lucky few who were able to taste it thought it was a perfect summer spirit!

About the producer:

The cognac house Jean Fillioux, located in the golden triangle of the grande champagne (Juillac-Le-Coq/ Verrières/ Angeac-Champagne), was founded in 1880 by Honoré Fillioux and is still a family business in 2023. The domain extends over 50 hectares of vineyards, all located in the heart of the grande champagne. The beautiful domaine La Pouyade is located on top of a hill, if you drive up from Segonzac you will see the domain protruding above the landscape a few kilometers before arrival, beautiful! The Fillioux family is also "one with nature", the preservation and protection of the local fauna and flora is one of their core values. Pascal Fillioux (born 1948) transferred the domain to his son Christophe (born 1980) in 2015, but father and son still work well together. Christophe has the new ideas, works on growth and innovation and Pascal keeps an eye on things. Tradition, family and quality characterize this family.

Tasting notes by Serge Valentin (WhiskyFun.com)

Colour: deep gold.

Nose: fruity perfection. This will be fast, quick and easy. Maracuja, mangos, pink bananas, peaches, spearmint. Simple and exceptional.

Mouth: same plus a little tea-ish, mentholy oak, which is totally normal. Amazing notes of some fruit that's not that common, white currant. Which I find stunning.

Finish: same.

Comments: not much to add, this is princely indeed. White currants, remember!? Now wondering if one of the vintages hadn't gone underproof and was rescued by the other one. Not sure anyone, except the cellar master, should care. But 60/70, that's the Stones meeting Elvis, no? (which, apparently, never really happened).
SGP: 651 – 91 points.