Hine unveils two 1987 vintage Cognacs

Cognac house Hine has released two 1987 vintages – a Jarnac-matured and an ‘early-landed’ expression made using the “finest” Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie.

Hine founding family member and honorary chairman Bernard Hine said that July in 1987 was one of the wettest on record, but that a hot, dry period lasted from August until late September – creating “perfect conditions for ripening the grapes ready for harvest”.

“Our 1987 Jarnac-Matured has an orange marmalade nose developing into soft spices, vanilla, honey and gingerbread on the plate, while the 1987 Early-Landed has a delicate nose of lime, citrus fruit and orange blossom with a fresh, citrus palate,” he added.

Every year, Hine sets aside a few casks of the “finest” Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie to mature in the 18^th century cellars beneath the firm’s offices in Jarnac.

Other casks are shipped to the UK to be aged as ‘early-landed’ Cognac, a Hine practice that dates back to the 19^th century. The 1987 Early-Landed was shipped in French oak casks to Wickwar, near Bristol, at the end of 1989.

Hine’s vintage Cognac’s are aged for a minimum of 20 years and are available in very limited quantities. Both 1987 vintages are available at an RRP of £245.00 (US$300.00).

In June last year, Hine released the second instalment in its Domaines Hine Bonneuil series, a 2006 single vintage, single estate expression.