For the 7th dram and last of the first week of the Cognac Expert Advent Calendar, we now have a Lhéraud 1994 Vintage cognac, from the Petite Champagne cru. The Lhéraud family’s winemaking heritage spans centuries, beginning with Jean Lhéraud, the founder of the first Lhéraud distillery, around 1785. In 1860, Alexandre Lhéraud settled in the Petite Champagne region to serve the local château keeper (a chatelain) and was the first to plant vines in his garden. The legacy was carried forward and later entrusted to Andrée and Guy, the 8th generation in the Lhéraud family, around fifty years ago when they inherited the cognac estate.
At that time, challenges were abundant, but Andrée and Guy persevered with determination and hard work, focusing on crafting exceptional cognacs and gaining the recognition their products deserved. Their lives revolved around tireless participation in trade fairs and extensive travel to promote their cognacs across the globe. In 1970, the decision to establish the brand name ‘Cognac Lhéraud’ marked a turning point. Though the demanding travel schedule persisted, the brand’s growing reputation attracted global attention, solidifying Lhéraud Cognac’s place in the world of fine spirits (not only cognac but also armagnac and pineau).
Nowadays, their domain spreads over 100 hectares in the Petite Champagne region, and 35 hectares spread over Grande Champagne, Fins Bois and Bons Bois.
Now, time to see what they’re about: let’s review that Lhéraud 1994 Vintage cognac.
Lhéraud 1994 Vintage Cognac Review
The Lhéraud 1994 Vintage Cognac is made from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in the Petite Champagne cru. Distilled with the lees in 15 hectolitres still, it was aged for 30 years in fine grain, lightly toasted oak casks from Tonnellerie Navarre, stored in a dry cellar. Bottled at 48% ABV, it is priced at approximately €350.
Colour:
Light brown sherry.
Nose:
Neat: Bursting with apricots, both fresh and dried, right from the pour. Notes of blond tobacco, honey, candied lemon zest, hints of vanilla, and potpourri. Really a warming nose.
With water: Butterscotch and peaches emerge beautifully.
Palate:
Neat: Caramel and spices take the lead, accompanied by a pleasant woody bitterness and a hint of citrusy tang. Notes of pralines, roasted hazelnuts and almonds, brown sugar, grapefruit, orange juice, leather, dark chocolate, and caramel are layered with a touch of ginger. The 48% ABV delivers a silky mouthfeel – delightful.
With water: Lemon-flavoured candy, green apple, and a hint of pepper come to the forefront.
Finish:
Caramel and citrus flavours linger, joined by the nuttiness from the palate and a hint of vanilla.
Comments:
After a few cognacs that failed to impress, I’m pleased that this Lhéraud 1994 closed out the first week of my advent calendar. This excellent cognac is fruity, with a refreshing sourness and plenty of character. The ABV is perfect, though it also responds well to a slight reduction. My only regret is its high price, but it’s undeniably a lovely cognac.
