A Drink For The True Cognac Connoiseur

June 16, 2009

New York-based Martell Cognac, the oldest and one of the most revered of the major Cognac houses, introduces L'Or de Jean Martell,  the culmination of the house style, the product of the unique art of Cognac and the result of the painstaking care and creation of many successive generations of Martell cellar masters, in a very limited quantity. Although we couldn’t afford this even in the best of time, for those who can, they will have a rare treat.

Martell L'Or de Jean Martell is the epitome of Martell expertise: a double distillation of the clearest eau-de-vie, a sophisticated combination of the four finest growths -- Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Fins Bois and Borderies -- and a lengthy maturation in fine-grain oak barrels.

"L'Or de Jean Martell is truly the ultimate expression of the House of Martell and a testament to Jean Martell whose founding principles are based on the pursuit of perfection," noted Larry Neuringer, Brand Director of Martell, Pernod Ricard USA. "Martell Cognac has long been linked with the sense of French refinement, and every bottle embodies the experience of unrivalled craftsmen: cellar masters, growers, distillers and coopers all who have handed down their expertise from generation to generation. It is the skill and vision of these craftsmen that has made the House of Martell an icon of French excellence and resulted in the presentation of L'Or de Jean Martell, the ultimate statement of luxury."

The Cognac owes its rich and complex character to the aged eau-de-vie from Borderies -- the smallest and most exclusive growing region in Cognac. As the spirit matures, the candied-fruit notes offset the power and depth of the spirit's Grand Champagne eau-de-vie. L'Or, the culmination of Martell's nearly three hundred year quest for perfection, is a blending of several hundred eau-de-vie, some of which have aged for more than a century like hidden treasures deep in the house's cellars. These secret cellars, rechristened the "Chai Jean Martell" or Jean Martell Cellars, hold exceptionally rare spirits, some dating back to 1830. It is from here, to which only a chosen few have access, that many of the eau-de-vie for L'Or de Jean Martell is drawn.

The liquid has an intense amber color with hints of shimmering mahogany. The nose holds extraordinarily complex aromas of fruited candy, sweet spices and gingerbread created by the unique blend of Borderies and Grand Champagne growths. On the palate, the attack is silky smooth and subtle moving towards the richer more substantial flavors of orange peel, prune and gingerbread. The finish is beautifully long and elegant.

This exquisite Cognac is encased in a teardrop shaped decanter made of Cristal de Sevres -- the finest crystal. Each individual decanter is hand-blown using time-honored skills that combine technical mastery with respect for the delicate material to create curves of elegance that are then embellished with gilded garlands, a subtle allusion to the elegant French classical style.

Neuringer concluded, "L'Or de Jean Martell is a fitting testament to Jean Martell himself. His insistence on perfection and his driving passion lead Martell to creating one of the most revered and enduring luxury goods companies in all of France. That same enthusiasm and attention to quality has been passed from generation to generation creating Cognacs that have, throughout history, been sought after by royalty and heads of state around the world and that uphold the name that sets standards for others in the field."

Suggested retail price is $3,600 per bottle.