DELAMAIN Pleiade Plenitude 1980 Cognac Bottle (70cl) 42%abv

Description

Delamain Pleiade Plenitude 1980 Cognac is a remarkable single cask expression made from eaux-de-vie sourced from the Premier Cru harvest of 1980, the same year Dominique Touteau joined Delamain. This exceptional 40-year-old Cognac is perfect for special occasions, best enjoyed as a digestif at room temperature or alongside a fine cigar. The nose is expressive, offering warm autumnal notes of soft leaves, vanilla, and rancio. On the palate, it is lively and persistent, showcasing flavours of walnuts, spices, and more rancio, creating a well-rounded and complex experience. This Cognac exemplifies individuality and character, making it an ideal gift for connoisseurs or a delightful treat for those seeking to enjoy a truly outstanding spirit.

*****

The single cask Delamain Vintage 1980 Collection Plénitude Cognac is, as the name suggests, created from eaux-de-vie from the Premier Cru harvest of 1980. In addition to being a 40-year-old Cognac, the 1980 vintage also marks the year that Dominique Touteau arrived at Delamain. Over four decades Dominique has overseen this cask of Grande Champagne eau-de-vie, making it a liquid story of his professional life from young trainee to award-winning Cellar Master. Sourced from vines in the hamlet of Mainxe between Jarnac and Segonzac, this Cognac is a rare expression, as the second half of the 1980 harvest was ended by a sudden frost which destroyed all the grapes which had not already been picked.

After distillation, this vintage was placed in an old, well-seasoned French oak cask. Seasoned oak reduces the influence of tannins, allowing the subtler nuances of the Cognac to shine through with an ethereal finesse. For 40 years, cask number 212-01 remained wax-sealed, maturing in Delamain’s vintage cellar by the river where thick limestone walls have sheltered it for decades, providing near-perfect levels of moisture and humidity. Delamain follows the most stringent controls and procedures regarding the maturation of their vintage Cognacs, with their cellars placed under strict monitoring and lock-and-key control by the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac), the official Cognac industry body.

The House of Delamain’s unrivalled passion for creating vintage Cognac has been passed down from generation to generation since 1759, the year when James Delamain left Ireland to settle in Jarnac as a Cognac merchant. His grandson Henri founded Maison Delamain in 1824, and today the 9th generation of the Delamain family still runs the company - with a total of fifteen employees. Known for keeping to extremely old-fashioned production methods, they are also the only Cognac producer which exclusively releases Cognac aged XO or older. While they pride themselves on their Grande Champagne AOC, Maison Delamain prefer to not be tied to any specific winegrower or purchasing contract, instead choosing to individually select the finest wines available every year.

For anyone who wants the opportunity to own a particularly rare vintage Premier Cru Cognac - and taste a piece of history - this is your chance.

As with all Delamain releases, this expression comes in a sleek, tall bottle featuring a deep punt. The gold foil and matching gold details give a premium feel. This vintage arrives in a matching high-quality Delamain navy blue presentation box, making it the perfect gift.

This is a wonderful Cognac to bring out on a special occasion, served as a digestif at room temperature, or perhaps alongside a fine cigar. Or, if you want to see the face of a Cognac connoisseur light up in delight, then consider purchasing this for them as a gift.

Expressive nose, with powerful warm autumnal notes of soft leaves, vanilla and rancio. Lively and persistent in the mouth, finishing with walnuts, spices and more rancio. A Cognac with undeniable individuality and character.

Delamain is a prestigious Cognac house established in 1759, renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality Cognac using traditional methods. Located in the Grande Champagne region, which is the top crus of Cognac production, Delamain focuses exclusively on crafting vintage Cognacs, allowing the expression of the unique terroir in each bottle.

The house is particularly celebrated for its emphasis on the careful selection of grapes, primarily using the Ugni Blanc variety, and for its artisanal distillation processes. Delamain’s aging process takes place in French oak barrels, where the spirits develop their distinctive character over time. The house shuns the use of additives, such as caramel or sugar, ensuring that their Cognacs maintain purity and authenticity.

Delamain Cognac is known for its elegance, finesse, and complexity, often displaying a range of flavours from floral and fruity notes to richer, spicier undertones as it ages. The portfolio includes various expressions, such as their flagship "Delamain Pale & Dry XO," as well as limited edition bottlings that highlight the house's dedication to craftsmanship. With a legacy of quality, Delamain is highly regarded among Cognac enthusiasts and collectors alike.