07/08/2023 One Cognac

François Peyrot 61yo 1959/2010 (44.2%, OB Heritage, Lot '59): nose: well, there undeniably is a lot of wood at play, oily and flirting with exoticism (mahogany, teak), yet also a pronounced fruitiness, with plump grapes and greengages, lychees and overripe apricots. Then, something leafier appears; vine leaves, leafy hazel branches, and strawberry stems, leaves and all. Perhaps we find a faint earthy-rubbery note, old tyres that have been going up and down a dirt track in very dry conditions for years to carry mirabelle plums from the orchard to the market. Finally, a sprinkle of talcum powder. The second nose is more unabashedly woody, polished dashboards, and... No! The same fruits come back. Mouth: similarly fruity, and similarly woody. Now, we have model paint (Revell or Humbrol, but definitely dark ghost grey), unripe grapes on the vine, plum juice, spilled on a mahogany countertop, and wood oil. It is acidic, now, dissolving moisture from the cheeks. An acidity that comes from the fruits, alongside a mellow waxiness. No strong bitterness from the wood -- merely a nuance that adds an extra dimension. Finish: awfully fruity, here, it displays a bitter lick of exotic wood, yet shines with its fruity sweetness. Plums, wine-cured lychees, dried apricots, browned nectarines, and a dash of hazelnut milk. The second sip seems even fruitier and more ester-y, as if augmented with a drop of white spirit. Grapes, stewed quince, lychee, and it dies out on a pillow of Cotton Candy grapes. Very good, though I would say it lacks complexity to score as high as the first time. 8/10 (Thanks for the  sample, Cavalier66)