Spirit Master: Frapin XO Cognac Rudy Gobert
Cognac Frapin and its ambassador, NBA basketball star Rudy Gobert, are scoring world-class medals through their common goal of excellence.
Gobert has been working with Cognac Frapin since 2021 when he became the brand ambassador for North America.
In 2024, the basketball star and Cognac brand took their partnership to the next level, and created Frapin XO Cognac Rudy Gobert.
The Cognac, blended by Patrice Piveteau, cellar master for Frapin, consists of liquid that has been aged for more than 20 years. Bottled at 40.5% ABV, it retails for RRP US$249.99 per 700ml bottle.
“It was just the possibility to create a cuvée for Rudy at the beginning of the partnership,” noted Piveteau, when asked about why he created the award-winning expression. “Then within the contract, we decided to do it in order to increase our deal. To modernise the brand, also. We are pleased to increase this partnership with the launch of Cognac Frapin Rudy Gobert Edition XO, a Cognac exclusively harvested, distilled and aged at Frapin’s estate in the heart of Grande Champagne – the premiere cru of Cognac.”
The Cognac secured a coveted Gold medal in The Cognac Masters 2025 blind-tasting competition, which was awarded in the XO – Single Estate round. The judges described the Cognac as “rich, sweet and fruity on the nose, with some milk chocolate underneath. Runny honey and a hint of candied orange, and cocoa on the palate.”
Adding to its global acclamations, the Cognac also secured a Gold medal in The Drinks Business Asia Masters 2025, which took place in Hong Kong in May this year. During the tasting, expert judges praised the liquid’s “depth and character – great ageing”. They also found flavours of “Christmas cake, fruity and spicy – delicious”.
Frapin and Gobert both share similarities across their success stories. For Frapin, since 1270, the Cognac house has been consistently striving to safeguard and grow its estate, which today comprises 240 hectares of vineyards.
Meanwhile, for Gobert, basketball has been his passion. He has been an NBA All-Star twice and has been named ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ four times in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024.
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