For the twenty-second and antepenultimate dram from our Cognac-Expert Advent Calendar, we have a 50-year-old Domaine La Prenellerie Hors d’Âge Cognac, from the Bons Bois cru. At the Domaine de la Prenellerie, winemaking has been a family tradition for generations. In 1966, Guy Billonneau took over his grandmother’s farm in Épargnes, which, at the time, combined crop farming and livestock. Seeing the potential of the land near the Estuary, he shifted entirely to viticulture. He learned the craft from his father, Robert Billonneau, who was also a winegrower. Over nearly four decades, Guy focused on producing Cognac and Pineau.
In 2003, his son, Frédéric Billonneau, who was working in import/export, decided to produce wine from a small plot of Merlot vines. Using traditional methods, including hand harvesting, his initial project grew into a larger venture. Frédéric eventually took over the family estate, expanding its production to include red, rosé, and white wines in addition to Cognac and Pineau.
In 2020, the estate received ‘Haute Valeur Environnementale’ certification, reflecting its efforts in biodiversity conservation, fertilisation management, and water use practices.
Domaine La Prenellerie Hors d’Âge Cognac Review
The Hors d’Age Cognac from Domaine La Prenellerie is made from Ugni Blanc grapes (only Ugni Blanc says Cognac-Expert, but also Colombard and Folle Blanche according to La Prenellerie’s website). Distilled without lees in traditional 20-hectolitre copper stills, this Hors d’Age Cognac has matured for over 50 years in fine-grain, medium-plus toast oak barrels from the Vicard cooperage. Aged in humid cellars, it is bottled in its natural colour, free from additives, in a 500 ml carafe. Priced at approximately €110 per bottle.
Colour:
Mahogany.
Nose:
Neat: Ripe plums and mango dominate, with subtle hints of tinned pineapple adding a tropical touch. Soft notes of sandalwood and cedar provide a gentle woodiness, complemented by delicate floral nuances. Not overly complex, but thoroughly pleasant nonetheless.
Palate:
Neat: The wood takes centre stage on the palate, accompanied by a mix of spices—pepper and a touch of ginger-like prickliness. Cedar and lavender candy, notes of orange and ripe mango. Despite the 40% ABV, the mouthfeel holds up well. Flavours of chocolate and subtle hints of salted caramel.
Finish:
The finish is marked by black pepper, its intensity amusingly oscillating between bold and subtle. Notes of cedar and floral hints, including nasturtium. The pepper persists for a long moment.
Comments:
The Domaine La Prenellerie Hors d’Âge Cognac is a delightful surprise. While the nose is slightly reserved and straightforward, its tropical fruit and exotic wood notes are charming. The palate adds complexity with a vibrant touch of black pepper that lingers on the finish, really enhancing the overall appeal. Considering the price (despite being a 500 ml bottle—elegant and understated, by the way), this cognac offers exceptional value for its quality. A job well done.
