Tesseron Lot N°53 X.O Perfection 40%

Tesseron Lot N°53 X.O Perfection 40%

Talkin’ about generations

That’s a well-known brand in GC here. Founded by Abel Tesseron in 1905, this cognac estate is nestled in the heart of Grande Champagne, in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente. 40 hectares of vines that are divided between GC and PC. And this cuvee, a venerable blend, 100% GC. Age? More than two generations, according to the producer. 40%. Let’s go!

Colour: Mahogany, orange lights. Irregular medium tears. 

Nose: Heavy toffee notes at first, immediately followed by rich toasted scents (coffee bean, roasted walnuts). Elegant fruitiness on overcooked plum and tinned pear. Nice warm spiced notes on cinnamon and liquid vanilla. Opulent wood influence in the background, but nothing unpleasant here. Hints of a fresh nutty rancio too. 

Palate: Light texture. Full of licorice and vanilla. Heavy tannins in the aftertaste. Wet undergrowth and cigar box notes then. I was expecting a tad more of complexity. Short mouth length. It ends on dark chocolate and tobacco aromas.

Last Notes: Brighter than previoulsy perceived. Nicely honeyed now. Hints of buttery/yeasty notes. Fresh pear and tinned quince scents. Prunes and dry fig aromas. Hints of tea-ish shades too.

A nice X.O, well-balanced with obvious evolution notes and fresh fruity sides. But I can’t agree with 40% here, an ABV that seems to silence the whole complexity of this venerable blend.

My very subjective note: 87/100

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