Raymond Ragnaud 21yr Vintage Cognac - 1998

Declaring a vintage in Cognac is a notoriously difficult endeavor, so it should stand as a point of confidence that if a domaine goes to the extents necessary to set this unique parcels aside and bottle them on their own, they feel that the spirit in the bottle is of exceptional quality and character. This offering, from spirit distilled in 1998 and aged for over 20yrs prior to bottling, is a prime example of why this niche in the bigger world of Cognac should not be overlooked. The flavors are mature and complex but the brandy has an overall restrained elegance to it, a hallmark of this house. Some notes include dried orchard fruits, butterscotch, raspberry and red currant preserves, darjeeling tea, shortcake, vanilla beans and dark cocoa.