Grosperrin Fins Bois Sous l’Escalier 52,6%

Stairway over Heaven

It seems that Grosperrin owns a “little stock” of old Fins Bois in their cellars. This one is a 40yo+ F.B that was in a cask under the stairs, and that’s the explanation for its very informal name. It has been bottled in 2020 at 52,6%. 

Colour: Amber, gold lights. Irregular heavy tears.

Nose: Heavy fruity rancioted notes, especially on exotic fruits (mango juice, banana stew). Bang!  Massive exotic fruits concerto underlined by light peppery notes. Pastry notes in the background, mainly on marzipan and buttery notes. Hints of bourbon vanilla. Overripe melon and passion fruit with more air. This nose has a lot to tell. Varnished wood and fresh paint notes. Reminds a bit of some Guyana rum shades. Heady smells of synthetic peach smells. 

Mouth: Oily texture. Very winy entrance. Acidulous notes on blackcurrant juice surrounded by massive red berries stew, the kind of aromas you find in some Rhone Valley red wine. Generous fruity notes followed by a stunning freshness on eucalyptus and various resinous notes. Wonderful mouth length with rancioted notes, like the nose, but this time more on roasted sesame seeds and fermented notes (fresh bread dough, sake). It ends on flambéed banana and licorice sweets. 

Last Notes: Still fruity shades (tinned pineapple) and freshness with more air. Distinct wood notes now, something between sawdust and rotten wood. Nutty shades, mainly on cashew nuts and walnut oil. Still very particular heady peach smells. Back on the palate, you find back some licorice aromas carried by the acidulous texture. A tad of marasquin cherry and tinned plums notes. It ends on great buttery and verbena infusion notes. 

This nice Grosperrin Fins Bois Sous L’Escalier has eaten its cask through the time while conserving its strength. A little lack of precision in the second part of the tasting, but that’s a minor shortcoming regarding its overall qualities. 

My very subjective note: 89/100

Grosperrin’s website