Martell XO (750ml) Little Cellar 15 a striking terroir-based minerality

a striking terroir-based minerality

and impressive purity

Then again

He is not new to triple-digit wine scores and I had given one to him before for the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto

structured wine with gobs of spicy fruit

Martell XO (750ml) Little Cellar 15 a striking terroir-based mineralityThe opening whiffs find scents of pears, grapes, and mature oily, buttery, aromas; in the second sniffing round the spirit is pleasantly prickly with loads of character. Palate entry is sweeter and fruitier than the Cordon Bleu; round, luxurious and slightly coffee like in its bittersweet approach at midpalate. Ends with an inoffensive little numbing sensation. Wine Enthusiast 90 95 points