Tasting notes Serge Valentin: 90 points

Good, I know, Baraillon again. But you see, this is kind of private, and it is pure folle blanche. While folle blanche, as you may know, is the most characterful grape variety down there in Gascony.

Colour: deep red amber.

Nose: this should not be allowed. Some incredible blue mountain coffee, high-end marmalade (even Fortnum’s patrons couldn’t afford it), charcoal, and flowers. Ylang-ylang, orange blossom, honeysuckle…

Mouth: bow and pray. Good, I’m joking, there are a few unpolished sides to this one, too much dryness, too much coffee (ground beans), too much liquorice, too much sticky pine sap, and too much chocolaty pipe tobacco. All the rest is perfect.

Finish: long, dry, on coffee and chocolate. Very heavy chocolate.

Comments: truly an artisanal spirit, totally un-designed, just raw, just natural. And just extremely good – and challenging at times.