We continue to explore cognacs as we open a Prunier Horizon Cognac, the ninth sample from our Cognac-Expert Advent Calendar. Even though Maison Prunier was founded in 1769, you can trace its origins to 1665, when Jean Prunier, a renowned Cognac expert from La Rochelle, began producing wine and eaux-de-vie. By the early 1700s, he was exporting his products globally, establishing Cognac Prunier. His son, Gabriel, and later his grandson, also named Jean, carried on the family’s legacy. François Prunier expanded the business by acquiring vineyards near St-Jean-d’Angély and settling the operation in Cognac in the early 1800s.
The third Jean Prunier’s three sons – Alphonse, Marcel, and Gaston – continued the tradition. Alphonse led the company, Marcel managed European representation, and Gaston founded a branch in Melbourne, Australia. After Alphonse’s death in 1918, his widow enlisted her nephew, Jean Burnez, to lead the business. Jean’s son, Claude Burnez (1927–2011), later succeeded him, passing leadership to his wife, Susan, in 1987. In 2009, their son Stéphane Burnez took over, joined by his daughter Alice in 2016.
Now in its sixth generation, Cognac Prunier remains family-run and based in the same medieval building in Cognac for over two centuries. The company produces a wide range of Cognacs and eaux-de-vie, honouring long-standing traditions. Their offerings span from 2-year-old Cognacs to XO blends, reflecting their commitment to quality and heritage. Let’s review this Prunier Horizon Fine Champagne Cognac now, shall we?
Prunier Horizon Fine Champagne Cognac Review
Prunier Horizon Fine Champagne Cognac is a blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne. With a composition of 70% Grande Champagne and 30% Petite Champagne, this blend highlights the finest qualities of both terroirs. As there’s more than 50% of Grande Champagne in that blend, it can be called Fine Champagne. It is distilled exclusively from 100% Ugni Blanc grapes grown on clay-limestone soils. The youngest cognac in this blend was distilled in 1988, while the oldest dates back to 1966. Each component is aged individually in seasoned oak barrels of 200 to 400 litres, maturing in the Prunier cellars in Gimeux. Bottled at 43.5% ABV and without any additive, expect to pay about €210 for a bottle.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: From the outset, a burst of fruit dominates the profile (the cognac rested for half an hour in my glass with a glass hat before nosing): oranges, apricots, mango, unripe bananas, and pomelo. On the second nosing, the fruitiness softens slightly, revealing delicate rancio notes alongside spices like clove, paprika, and cumin. Hints of blonde tobacco and dusty leather.
Palate:
Neat: The palate opens with a vibrant burst of fresh fruits, featuring orange, lime, grapefruit, and clementines. These gradually transition into soft rancio notes, complemented by gentle wood tannins, hints of Arlequin candy, a pleasant woody bitterness, and flavours reminiscent of dark caramel cough syrup. Subtle notes of wet forest floor and eucalyptus. The mouthfeel is well balanced – neither too thin nor overly creamy – offering a delightful freshness throughout.
Finish:
The notes of undergrowth and orange linger, complemented by hints of wood, pepper, and paprika, leading to a long finish.
Comments:
The Prunier Horizon Fine Champagne Cognac is truly remarkable, showcasing impressive freshness and fruitiness despite its age (with eaux-de-vie in the blend ranging from 36 to 58 years old). It embodies everything I cherish in cognac: vibrant fruits, refreshing character, and a touch of rancio. This summery cognac is a gem – highly recommended.
