Cognac Martell Extra 1970’s: tasting notes and review of a legendary distillate
Sipping the Extra Martell Cognac bottled in 1970 was one of the most exciting experiences of our last years as tasters. We tell you that we had the honor of tasting this wonderful cognac, thanks to the generosity of Valentino Zagatti, one of the most important collectors of spirits, who was kind enough to share this rare bottle with us.
This Martell Extra Cognac 1970 is a symphony of persuasive and complex, decadent, slightly oxidized aromas and flavors. Rich in infinite nuances and endless herbaceous suggestions. It was bottled in the 70s for the Italian market, produced in about 5000 bottles when it already had 30 years of barrels aging on its shoulders and then stayed in bottle until 2019.
So in total, this wonderful Cognac has the beauty of 79 years. And immediately we launch a provocation from Valentino Zagatti, who has tasted lots of distillates in the last 50 years. According to him, after all these years the refinement in the bottle changes the distillate.
A theory that goes against the classic axiom that reassures us about distillates: once bottled there is no more evolution, the alcohol doesn’t change. This Cognac had a flurry of aromas and flavors so exceptional, that doubt arose, but surely more evidence and tasting of different vintages are needed to fully embrace this thesis.
Color
The robe is dark amber, mahogany, bright.
Bouquet of the Cognac Martell Extra from 1970
But let’s get to the comment of this amazing cognac. The nose is sumptuous and persistent, it fascinates you with notes of macerated fruit, nuts, cocoa, and crazy marine scents. The tone is harmonious, the perfumes flow sharp and precise, there are no indecisions. Spices and wood are there, but they are memories that sink in a sweet maderized undertow. What is more surprising are the herbal and medicinal aromas: a potpourri immersed in a bitter of incense and myrrh. The evolution is amazing and opens up to tons of unique depth. Licorice, salta and china finish.
What does the Cognac Martell Extra 1970 taste like?
In the mouth, it is still very penetrating, spicy, with a soft warmth that fills the mouth with pure velvet and a flavor of sultanas. The flavors are like perfumes: gracefully marked, impeccable, leaving ample space for a nutty maturation that recalls all types of dried fruit. There is still a lot of momentum, but despite being powerful, it is never aggressive. The tannins given by the wood are docile, cocoa that fades into rhubarb. The finish is endless with gentian and mint puffs.
To be an elderly 79-year-old cognac, he is still in splendid shape, has rhythm and vitality, but also a crazy aromatic charm, with an out of the ordinary maturation.
Price of the Extra Martell Cognac bottled in 1970
1700-2000 euros: rare and expensive, but this precious nectar is amazing. And then consider that it is cognac, 5 friends are enough to make a common investment and so share a masterpiece for a couple of evenings.
Cognac Martell Extra 1970’s food pairings
Chili chocolate, tiramisù, chocolate salami.