Gabriel Théallier 'Valence-sur-Rhône' - Cognac Fine Champagne Vintage 1865 40% alc by vol.

Tasting note: Gabriel Théallier Cognac Fine Champagne Vintage 1865

Producer: Gabriel Théallier
Region: Cognac, France (Fine Champagne: Grande & Petite Champagne)
Grape varieties: Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche
Vintage: 1865
Alcohol content: approx. 42% (originally higher, Angel's Share conditional)
Ageing: Over 150 years in French oak barrels, followed by decades of bottle ageing.

Appearance:
Deep, mystical mahogany colour with copper reflections and amber hues. The viscous texture draws "glass legs" of extreme density - a testament to time and concentration.

Nose:
An orchestral bouquet of Rancio noblesse: walnut oil, dried figs, candied orange peel and old library leather. Notes of honey wax, dried apricots, cardamom and earthy depth (truffles, damp autumn leaves) unfold underneath. Tobacco leaves, roasted coffee and oak resin quietly resonate, enveloped in an aura of muscovado sugar and yellowed parchment.

Palate:
An opulent, silky entry with melting flavours of caramelised date, marzipan and dark chocolate. Lively acidity and subtle alcohol warmth (surprisingly integrated) carry layers of candied ginger, black tea and mineral sophistication (chalk, graphite). The depth reveals laurel, dried mushrooms and a hint of Amarena cherry - a dance between sweetness and bitterness.

Finish:
Eternally long and meditative. Final spice (allspice, cinnamon) blends with roasted almonds, vanilla pod and a salty hint of sea salt. A final echo of rancio - old sherry cask, honey molasses - lingers like a relic of bygone eras.

Overall impression:
A cognac that transcends time and space. The elegance of Fine Champagneis combined with the archaic power of the 19th century. Despite its age, it retains a youthful vitality, carried by a mystical balance between sweetness, acidity and oxidation complexity. A liquid artefact that only exists in a few bottles - a monument to transience and craftsmanship.

Serving suggestion: Serveneat at 18-20 °C in a cognac snifter, accompanied by a cigar (Cohiba Siglo VI) or dark chocolate (85% cocoa). Can also be enjoyed with foie gras pâté or truffle desserts.
Ageing potential: Unalterable if stored correctly (upright, dark, 15-18 °C) - this cognac has already conquered time.

"A drop of this is a dialogue with the spirits of the Belle Époque - where alcohol becomes philosophy."

Note: A cognac of this rarity requires careful decanting to avoid sedimentary deposits. Every sip is a piece of history - preserved in oak and time.