Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne CENTRAURE EXTRA 40% alc. by vol. with box 750ml NV 'release from the 1980s'

Here is a detailed review of the Remy Martin Cognac Fine Champagne CENTAURE EXTRA 40% vol. (NV, release ca. 1980s) including packaging (750 ml):

Product identification & background

• Name: Rémy Martin Centaure Extra

• Category: Fine Champagne Cognac (min. 50% Grand Champagne, rest Petite Champagne)

• Alcohol content: 40% vol.

• Filling quantity: 750 ml

• Era: Non-vintage (NV), bottled around the 1980s

• Special feature: Original carton ("box")

• Status: Historic bottling - no longer produced today.

Historical classification

• Centaure Extra was Rémy Martin's premium line and represented the top of the house.

• Bottles from the 1980s are considered "Golden Era" products:

  • Grapes from uncontaminated, old vineyards.

  • Long ageing in Limousin oak barrels (often 25-40 years).

  • Traditional production methods before modernisation.

• Brand: Centaure was discontinued in the 1990s in favour of Rémy Martin XO Excellence and Louis XIII.

Sensory description (based on contemporary witnesses & experts)

• Colour: Deep mahogany with amber reflections.

• Nose:Complex & elegant - dried figs, candied oranges, leather, tobacco leaves, honeycomb and truffle notes. Light rancio aromas (walnut, marmalisation).

• Palate:Silky texture, rich without heaviness. Dominant: Prunes, cocoa, cloves, sandalwood. Background: Floral notes (violets), liquorice and fine tobacco.

• Finish: Extremely long-lasting, warm with harmonious bitterness (coffee, dark chocolate).

Packaging & external characteristics

• Bottle: Classic Rémy Martin design with embossed Centaure logo (centaur with bow).

• Label: Gold/black design, "Centaure Extra" lettering.

• Box: Dark brown/gold original box with centaur motif. Note: Slight yellowing or abrasion is typical for 40+ year old packaging.

• Serial number: Often present on the base or neck of bottles from this era.

Value & rarity

• Collector status: Highly sought after due to limited availability and historical significance.

• Price range (2025):

  • €500-€1,000+ (depending on condition, provenance and demand).

  • Unopened with intact box achieves top prices at auction (e.g. Sotheby's, Catawiki).

• Factors for the value:

  • Fill level: "base of neck" or higher ideal.

  • Cork condition: No drying out/cracking.

  • Provenance: Documented storage (cool, dark).

Storage & authenticity check

• Ideal storage: Upright, 15-18°C, 70-80% humidity, protected from light.

• Authenticity check:

  • Compare with archive photos (label layout, logo details).

  • UV light test: Modern counterfeits often fluoresce.

  • Cork: Genuine natural cork (not plastic), often with "RÉMY MARTIN" embossing.

Market positioning & drinking maturity

• Drinking recommendation: Optimal now - the flavours are fully mature, further storage brings hardly any profit.

• Target group: Connoisseurs, investors and collectors looking for "pre-LOUIS XIII" Rémy Martin quality.

• Alternatives today: Rémy Martin XO Excellence (more modern interpretation) or Louis XIII (significantly more expensive).

Summary

The Rémy Martin Centaure Extra (1980 release) is a legendary Cognacwith a complex, balanced profile and historic depth. As a contemporary witness to the traditional art of production, it combines collector's value with sensory excellence. Its value increases due to its rarity and the demand for "old-school" cognacs.

Recommendation: Obtain a professional valuation (e.g. from a whisky auctioneer or cognac expert) if you intend to sell. To enjoy: neat at 18-20°C from a Cognac snifter.