Simon Wittenberg takes a look at the launch of the prestigious L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon cognac from Maison Martell.
France’s renowned Maison Martell has unveiled a new exclusive cognac to mark the Year of the Dragon in China. The latest annual edition, which pays homage to one of the most emblematic animals in the Chinese zodiac, is made up of less than 750 examples, all individually numbered, highlighting its exclusivity.
Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud carefully selected very old eaux-de-vie drawn from different previous Years of the Dragon and combined them with the original blend. The result is a complex harmony of more than 1,400 eaux-de-vie from the four finest terroirs in the Cognac region and a true masterpiece of blending.
The resulting blend delivers an explosion of fresh, vibrant floral aromas, including lily, lilac and pansy, which beautifully merge into intense and generous notes of candied fruit, including tamarind, lotus seeds and longan (also known as the dragon’s eye).
The blend is further complemented by scents of dried fruit and nuts, followed by notes of wild strawberry, blackberry and blackcurrant.
As the cognac evolves, spices and noble woods, such as Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, cedar and sandalwood, heighten the sensation of warmth, while aromas of earth and rancio are reminiscent of the atmosphere of the legendary Jean Martell prestigious cellar in France.
Lastly, the exceptional length of tasting notes on the palate, coupled with its unrivalled warmth and aromatic balance, suggests the immortal nature and benevolent power of the Chinese dragon, which particularly inspired Christophe Valtaud.
Founded in 1764, Baccarat is one of France’s most revered manufacturers of fine crystal, and for this exceptional edition, the brand has created a decanter whose sleek lines evoke a single, pure drop of cognac, perfectly complementing the richness and refinement of the blend within.
The decanter, whose neck is embellished with engraved 19-carat gold, is also crowned with a stunning sculpture of a dragon’s head. The bottle is unique and perfect in every vibrant detail.
Within a beautifully crafted box, where the red metal doors have been furnished with a pattern inspired by the skin of a dragon, the decanter rests on a gold-tone pedestal finely engraved with tiny scales. It is also set against a dramatic, gold-coloured backdrop decorated with motifs of grapevines and oak barrels and Martell swifts around a flamboyant Chinese dragon.
The box is a poetic illustration both of the Year of the Dragon and the long-standing relationship between Maison Martell and China.
L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon – Where and How?
Available in the UK from The Whisky Exchange, priced at £9,000. For more information, visit www.martell.com.