NAVARRE VIEILLE RÉSERVE GRANDE FINE CHAMPAGNE COGNAC
COGNAC, FRANCE
WOW. We have the great fortune to work with some of the most inspiring wines and spirits for our weekly offers, but every so often we come across a product that “wows” us so completely that no other word will suffice. Such was the case with Navarre Vieille Réserve Cognac, an incredible Cognac from the Navarre estate within Cognac’s top cru, Grande Champagne. The estate was founded in 1811, and current proprietor and fourth-generation distiller Jacky Navarre works under one main principle: “let nature do (most of) the work.” The ‘Vieille Réserve’ designates an XO-level Cognac, but in reality this is so much more. While an XO Cognac must be aged a minimum of 10 years, Navarre’s Vieille Réserve matures 35–50 years in barrel, and the spirit achieves a level of richness and complexity that has few equals. As Vinous points out “consider how many thousands of dollars the blingy bottlings from the big houses fetch, and you’ll see what an incredible value this is—if you can find it” (Jason Wilson). Indeed, finding the bottles can be a hiccup: fewer than 200 bottles are imported total each year, so we were lucky to secure a minuscule allocation to offer to our Concierge customers.
The Vieille Réserve is composed of 100% Ugni Blanc grapes from Cognac’s Grande Champagne region. The grapes are hand-harvested and immediately distilled in 30-hectoliter copper pot “Charentais” stills, after which point the eaux-de-vie begin their long evolution in barrel. After 35–50 years of barrel maturation, the Vieille Réserve Cognac is bottled at natural cask strength and non-chill filtered, with no coloring and no additives whatsoever. The unassuming bottle, rare in an industry flush with glitzy packaging, houses a truly spectacular Cognac with seemingly endless layers of flavors and aromas that glide between dried flowers, sweet tropical fruits, roasted walnuts, and warming spice. It may be a little extreme, but trust us: if you are going to buy only one bottle of Cognac this year, this should be it. Navarre is one of the most highly regarded artisanal Cognac producers today, and the Vieille Réserve demonstrates why. Don’t delay in collecting your bottles before we sell out!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with product estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2020. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer ONLY valid in AZ, CA, DE, FL, NJ, NV, TX, and WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
