20 years in the making: XO N°20 Decanter from the Domaine du Chêne
Located in the picturesque Bons Bois region of Cognac, the Domaine du Chêne is an authentic, traditional vineyard established in 1865. Their jewel in the crown, distilled by master blender Jean-Marie Bailiff, is their XO N°20 Decanter.
The Domaine itself is consistently striving for success, transmitting their tradition and authenticity into every Cognac they produce, and this specific XO, a 20-year-old Cognac made with 100% Ugni Blanc grapes, is the erudite embodiment of their production processes. Controlling everything on-site, from farming to distillation and even bottling, they ensure high quality and unique products with every batch.
With a name like Domaine du Chêne, it comes as no surprise that the Cognac is left to age in their cellars in traditional Limousin oak barrels, producing a depth of character that renders their Cognacs truly special. This 20-year-old XO immediately produces aromas of woodlands, reminiscent of not only the rural region it originates from, but also the skillfully crafted oak casks they mature in.
The beautiful topaz, golden color of this Cognac serves as a reminder of not only its age, but its extravagance and the flavor profile held within. An exotic nose offering opulent aromas of chocolate, coffee and coconut, with a hint of dark fruits such as blackcurrant and even rancio bud.
When tasted, the Cognac holds a complex combination of flavors – fresh, fruit notes combine with warm, exotic spices – sandalwood, saffron, nutmeg and cinnamon prevail, an oriental adventure for the taste buds. Cocoa notes make a comeback on the palate with a sweet and mellow finish, all the while intertwining with the oak woody notes produced by the Cognac’s maturation.
Serving Suggestion
As this Cognac is remarkably complex in its flavor profile, it is recommended to drink it neat at room temperature, appreciate its woody, coffee aromas after a meal as a delectable digestif. The elegant decanter makes it an excellent talking point at any dinner party!
To pair this Cognac with food, its rich flavors and warm spices make it a perfect accord with a gamey meal, such as roasted pigeon or veal. Perhaps even enjoy after dinner with a citrusy dessert, allowing the woody and chocolatey notes of the Cognac to counteract the tang of a tarte au citron or key lime pie.
Presentation of the Bottle
For a Cognac as fine as this it seems only fitting to house it in a refined, tasteful decanter. The unique square form frames the contents as if presenting a work of art, a masterpiece of maturation, 20 years in the making.
A truly unique piece, focus is placed on the Extra Old “XO” quality of this Cognac, left to age in oak casks in the Bons Bois region for 20 years.
Its elaborately designed wooden top is a homage to the Domaine it originates from, the Domaine du Chêne (Oak).
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