Jean-Luc Pasquet 1995 Through the Grapevine

Review by: Raygun

A quick note before anything else for the sake of transparency. This review was done with an industry sample provided free of charge, with no expectations beyond drinking them. As always, I do my best to provide my unbiased opinion, and readers can decide how they want to take this review. For more information, see our Ethics & Transparency statement.

Through the Grapevine is a series of single cask cognacs from La Maison du Whisky. Mostly showcasing small producers in the various sub-regions. All bottled with no additives or coloring. Jean-Luc Pasquet has been my favorite producer so far, so I’m excited about this. They’ve been growing grapes in Grande Champagne since 1730, and returning to organic farming in 1990s. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

Distillery: Jean-Luc Pasquet

Bottler: La Maison du Whisky 

Region/style: Grande Champagne Cognac 

ABV: 51.6%

Age: ~24 years. Produced in 1995 and bottled in 2019.

Color: 1.6 mahogany. Natural color and no additives.

Nose: Rich and oaky. Grapes, plums, caramel, and cherries. Some cocoa powder.       

Palate: Brings the intensity. Strong oak, grapes, plums, and getting touches of mushroom rancio. The power here is something, but it’s also got some nice fruit. Some baked apple comes out later. The oak is pretty drying, but not bitter.   

Finish: Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Spiced apple cake, plums, cherries. Gets a foresty and brambley side. Gets even better with a few drops of water. Very long.    

Conclusion: Now this is what I’m talking about. Not much subtlety here: this is a big one. Lots of oak and spice, but also nice fruity brightness. Comes together in a great package. As big as it is, it’s still well balanced. Lovely stuff.

Score: 87

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent brandy worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

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