Mery Melrose is a modern, organic farmer making stunning Cognac from his small vineyard in Grande Champagne. The VSOP is a generous beauty, elegant with a winning character. This Cognac has spent at least four and a half years aging in a combination of new and used French oak casks. EYE: burnished gold color hints at the lush aromas and flavors to come from this spirit. NOSE: the longer aging is immediately evident with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and honey, but the wood is balanced with a lively expression of fruit. The scent of dried apricots and figs mingles with rose petals and gigerbread. PALATE: the first sip saturates the palate with a soft, silky robe of warm spices and tropical fruits, with notes of brown sugar and persimmon emerging with successive sips. The long, fruity finish ends with a gentle sweetness reminiscent of ripe grapes. Pairing: with fois gras, duck or pigeon. Vignerons Independants Concours: Gold Medal 2018 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold Medal 2017