The Guillon-Painturaud family owns 18 hectares of Ugni Blanc located in one plot around the farm they have been living in since 1610. In the 1970s, they began bottling under their own name rather than selling to the big house producers, and they have never looked back. Passing the distillation education from generation to generation, the family business is currently run by an energetic young woman named Line Guillon Painturaud, who has brought forth some fantastic brandies. The VSOP is an average of 15 years old and is brimming with supple fruit and caramel. The Guillon Painturaud VSOP Cognac is, as are all of the house's offerings, a pure Grande Champagne delight. It's the youngest expression from this artisan house, and is both bold and balanced. In fact, it shows surprising maturity for a mid-aged quality Cognac. The greatness of the Grande Champagne terroir is really showcased in both its aromas and on onth palate. Eye: Deep golden robe. Nose: Rich ripe fruit, candied walnut, baking spices. Palate: Hints of spiced apple, orange, pears, and a finish of apple tart and fruit pastry.