Side-by-side tasting of two Fins Bois cognacs from Grosperrin. Two distinct expressions: a rustic and angular profile versus a delicate one with its defined patina.
Grosperrin Fins Bois 33 ans 56% Lot 1137
A recent Grosperrin bottling (February 2024). This Fins Bois originates from Pessines, east of Saintes.
Colour: Dark amber, golden hues. Irregular heavy tears.
Nose: Quite rustic at first. Pinewood, warm sand, varnished wood. A bit like an Oléron cognac profile, though slightly more civilised. It becomes less rustic with air. Cooked plum, tinned quince and some of those warm spice notes reminiscent of the Grosperrin FB 1993.
Palate: Sharp and acidulous profile. Still a high level of rusticity. Hints of honeyed tones in the background. A tad Calvados-like, which can’t be a coincidence when you know the story behind this bottling.
Last Notes: Briny and salty shades with air. Quite vinous, with hints of old Saumur wines (peppery aged Cabernet notes). Heady touches of lychee and rosewater. Slightly disturbing in its evolution, with a certain lack of consistency. Yet even with its rusticity, it remains rather pleasant.
Wild rusticity for this 33yo Fins Bois. Some interesting spicy nuances, but I miss balance, precision and sheer pleasure here.
85+/100
Grosperrin Fins Bois N°77 Lot 1152
Another 2024 bottling. This 70s Fins Bois originates from Aujac, in the northern part of the cru, near La Brousse and Matha. The cognac spent its final year in a stainless steel tank to prevent further ABV loss.
Colour: Dark amber, orange hues. Irregular medium tears.
Nose: Full of exotic and aniseed notes at first. Mango juice, passion fruit, star anise. Overripe vine peach. Almost a fake GC chalky side. Quite heady, with aniseed tones amplified by dry floral hints of potpourri.
Palate: Quite oily. Immediate funkiness. Passion fruit and mango again. An easy, juicy profile, though slightly weak and perhaps lacking precision. It ends on liquorice and hazelnut cream.
Last Notes: Beautiful perfume, very elegant. But maybe a bit fragile, as mentioned, lacking a kick of acidity to enhance this delicate profile. A slight touch of sweetness. Back on the palate, thin rancio notes emerge. It ends on coriander and leather cream.
Distinct in its fragility, this cognac feels almost intellectual. I miss precision, depth and strength to score it higher.
88/100
Les Grandes Jouberteries Fins Bois Lot 65 49.5%
Grosperrin Fins Bois 1972 53,9%
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