The second cognac from my 2024 Cognac Expert Advent Calendar is a multi-vintage Vaudon Lot 75/78/80, bottled by German independent bottler Grape of the Art. Vaudon’s estate spans 60 hectares, primarily in the Fins Bois region, the largest Cognac production area. Their history dates back to 1771 when François Gaborit passed the domain to his son-in-law, Pierre Nalbert. Significant expansion occurred in the 20th century under Denis and later Pierre Mousset. Further growth followed when Pierre Vaudon married Anne-Marie Mousset, uniting two winemaking families.
Vaudon produces both single-cru Fins Bois cognacs and multi-cru blends with the neighbouring Grande Champagne region. Today’s review focuses on this multi-vintage, single-cru Vaudon 75/78/80 Grape of the Art.
Vaudon Lot 75/78/80 Grape of the Art Cognac Review
This Vaudon 75/78/80 Grape of the Art Cognac blends eaux-de-vie from the 1975, 1978, and 1980 harvests (a shame they missed my vintage!), made exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes sourced from the Fins Bois region. The eaux-de-vie, aged 43 to 48 years in Pelletan oak casks with wide grain and medium toast, were distilled twice in a 25 hl Charentais still. Bottled at 48.1% ABV without additives, the 298 bottles were released by Grape of the Art, a German independent bottler established in 2021 specialising in fine cognacs. Priced around €235.
Colour:
Polished mahogany.
Nose:
Neat: Intense for its ABV, the nose features polished sandalwood, cedar cigar box, candied and ripe oranges, pears, peaches, and apricots. It’s versatile – evoking cosy winter nights by the fire or sunny summer days. Notes of jasmine tea, blossom, salted caramel, and unlit cigar complement the fruit-forward profile
With water: Water introduces a dusty, nostalgic character with hints of old books, beeswax, and fig leaves, while the fruits recede into the background.
Palate:
Neat: Spicy and lightly woody on arrival, with a creamy texture and mild astringency, leaving a gentle dryness on the gums. The nose’s fruits transition beautifully to the palate, joined by a soft citrus tang and refreshing eucalyptus. Notes of liquorice root, tobacco, and old leather.
With water: Enhanced spice notes of pepper, nutmeg, and saffron emerge, balanced by vibrant grapefruit and pomelo.
Finish:
Candied oranges, ginger, eucalyptus, icy mint, tobacco, and cedar wood linger endlessly, leaving you eager for another sip.
Comments:
The nose of this multi-vintage Vaudon is mesmerising – you could easily spend an hour exploring it. Its enticing aroma leaves you salivating for a taste, and the palate doesn’t disappoint. Lush and vibrant, it balances rich tobacco, leather, oriental woods, and fruits with refreshing eucalyptus. A masterful blend by Vaudon and a stellar selection by Grape of the Art. While reduction works on the palate, it’s less effective on the nose. Enjoy this Vaudon 75/78/80 Grape of the Art neat – you won’t regret it.
