Prunier 1977 Vintage Petite Champagne

Tasting notes by Billy A

• Nose

  Warming spicy and rounded, especially after some time resting in the glass. Spiced fruit bread with a thin skim of butter, rye bread with red jam and some dusty but perfumed sandalwood. Behind the bread and spice lies rich and sweet fruit, with raisins and sultanas mingling with apples, pears, a little sharp redcurrant and some rich, toasted banana.

• Palate

  Rich and fruity, with darker rancio notes building at the back. Damp forests are balanced by spiced baked apples and red-wine poached pears, with plump sultanas and rich treacle toffee. The sweetness is controlled by soft charcoal notes and hints of leather.

• Finish

  Long and savoury, with charcoal and leather slowly fading to dried fruit and spice.

• Cognac

  A weighty Cognac with complexity and a softness that you wouldn't expect from a spirit with such a high strength.