Domaine Jean-Luc Pasquet is both a producer of Cognac and a bottler of cognacs crafted by small-scale winemakers. The estate is managed by Jean and Amy Pasquet, the son and daughter-in-law of founder Jean-Luc Pasquet. On one hand, they produce an organic range of cognacs, with organic practices dating back to 1998. On the other, they consider themselves “treasure hunters,” seeking out hidden gems from small winemakers’ cellars and independent distillers. It’s this latter role that brings JLP to More Drams today, as I review their latest find, the Jean-Luc Pasquet Lot L.70 ‘Le Cognac d’Arlette’ Petite Champagne Cognac, bottled in their ‘Trésors de Famille’ range.
Jean-Luc Pasquet Lot L.70 Le Cognac d’Arlette Petite Champagne Review
This cognac was distilled in 1970 on Arlette and Guy Noblet’s domain at Archiac, in the Petite Champagne terroir, near Lagarde-sur-le-Né. Despite them having to sell that domain during the 1970s in order to save their other domains in Grande Champagne and Fins Bois, they kept some casks. This cognac was distilled in Mainxe then matured for about 20 years in barriques in a wet cellar at Lagarde-sur-le-Né. After the succession in 1989, the cognacs were moved back to Mainxe and put into barrels on the second floor of a dry cellar.
After Jean-Luc Pasquet’s team discovered this cognac thanks to a broker and winemaker, they bottled it on the 1st of August 2024 at its natural cask strength (44.6%), without any alteration or addition. The cask yielded 366 bottles (500 ml). Still available on Jean-Luc Pasquet’s website and at specialist retailers for just under €200. You can also buy a 50 ml miniature from Jean-Luc Pasquet if you’re a member of their Friends of Pasquet club (message them on their Instagram account for info on how to join).
Colour:
Auburn.
Nose:
Neat: A bright, fruit-forward profile emerges with notes of juicy oranges, apricots, and the sweet syrup of canned fruit salad. This is balanced by hints of polished oak and a touch of allspice, alongside a gentle rancio character. There’s also a subtle savouriness from salted almonds, a drizzle of honey, and a refreshing hint of lemon and dried apricots.
Palate:
Neat: The wood influence is more pronounced here than on the nose, with rich notes of polished oak and a hint of exotic wood varieties. Still, the fruit shines through with flavours of orangettes and lemon slices dipped in honey. There’s a lively touch of candied ginger, white pepper, and sweet bergamot candy. With each sip, a mild bitterness from the wood surfaces yet remains balanced, impressive for a cognac with 54 years of ageing. The mouthfeel is just a touch lighter than expected, especially for a cask strength bottling.
Finish:
Finish: Medium in length, offering notes of menthol cigarettes, bright bergamot, and orange marmalade, rounded out by earthy walnuts. Subtle hints of rancio and a touch of fresh lemon juice.
Comments:
A beautifully vibrant cognac and yet another great find from Jean-Luc Pasquet (we really do need to cover them more on these pages). This Lot L.70 Le Cognac d’Arlette is lively and full of flavour, with a well-balanced touch of wood and delightful fruitiness. With a slightly richer mouthfeel, it could have reached an 8, but as it stands, it earns a solid 7.5/10.
