NV Frapin - Chai Paradis (F+R Exclusive) Serie#1, (43.2%)

This bottling is an exclusive collaboration with Frapin, borne out of a visit last summer to their home in the heart of the finest cru of Cognac, Grande Champagne. Family owned and with a history dating back to 1270, they are one of the region’s most esteemed houses. Unlike the Big Four who dominate Cognac production, Frapin can be considered a vigneron as much as a distiller. For 21 generations Frapin have grown vines on their estate situated in the town of Segonzac. Similar to grower Champagne houses, the lower production levels enable meticulous attention to detail and a focus on the terroir which shapes their award-winning releases. Nowhere is this more evident than in their centuries old cellar, reserved exclusively for their most treasured casks, the revered "Chai Paradis". Having granted FINE+RARE unprecedented access, Cellar Master Patrice Piveteau proceeded to draw a sample from an ancient cask in which a truly exquisite Cognac had been quietly resting for over 60 years. It was immediately declared "extraordinary" by all who tasted it - myself included. Patrice emphasised the world exclusive nature and unparalleled quality of what was to become this F+R exclusive bottling: "it just works perfectly on its own and was worth isolating for the very first time". The result is "the most stunning example of ultra-aged Cognac from our Paradis cellar". We bottled just thirty 70cl of what we have labelled Frapin Chai Paradis Serie #1. There will be no more in this current form, however liquid remains in cask to mature further - potentially for a Serie #2 release. With just a small number of bottles now remaining, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight this exceptional, immediately available Cognac release. I have absolutely no doubt it will impress even those with the most luxurious collection.