Merlet Lot 84 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. The Merlet family has been distilling since 1850, and makes a number of liqueurs in addition to Cognac. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

Distillery: Merlet

Bottler: La Maison du Whisky 

Region/style: Borderies Cognac 

ABV: 50.2%

Age: ~35 years. Produced in 1984 and bottled at some point earlier in 2019.

Color: 1.5 auburn. Natural color and no additives.

Nose: Floral and fruity. I almost want to say light for the age. Not so oak-dominant. Honey, yellow plums, and gooseberries.       

Palate: Very fruity. Plum torte, peaches, honey. There’s a herbal aspect with mint and lemon thyme. Mild cinnamon and clove. The wood influence is there, but still lighter than a lot of Cognacs. Some nice floral aspects.    

Finish: More touches of spice and honey. Plums, raspberries, orange peel, and grapes. Still rather fresh, but well structured. The oak harmonizes rather than leads.      

Conclusion: A real contrast with the JLP I reviewed last time. The oak is a supporting actor here rather than the lead. This is more fruit and cake, but not that sweet despite that. Quite a lot going on, and it blends together very well. Not too rich. The sort of thing that I keep wanting to take another sip.

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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