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Learn more about the different Cognac ages
Learn more about the different Cognac growth areas
Introducing the Rare Pale La Fût-sée – Lot91 from WV Baker & Cie, a single‑lot Cognac from the Bons Bois cru, sourced on Montmill Hill in the village of Baignes‑Sainte‑Radegonde. This expression is bottled at 49 % ABV and has been aged in fine‑grain barrels in a semi‑damp, half‑underground cellar. Distilled principally from Ugni Blanc and matured on its lees, it is bottled without added colour or blending, offering a transparent representation of terroir and barrel ageing.
The bottle is elegant and straightforward: a tall slim profile, clear glass displaying the pale amber liquid; the label features a clean sketch of a rocket and cloud‑of‑smoke motif, accompanied by the text “W V Baker & Co Cognac La Fût-sée”. A green wax capsule sits atop the neck, adding a modern touch while retaining classic Cognac sensibility.
What a playful label! The whole thing—name included—gives off a delightfully good-natured, if slightly cheeky, vibe. Colour: gold. Nose: this one’s more on the earthy and herbal side, very much in line with the character of most ‘bois’, leaning towards fruit skins (melons, peaches) and moderately aromatic flowers. Ultimately though, it’s the ripe apple that calls the shots. Mouth: superb freshness, lively and almost muscat-like, with notes of aromatic grape varieties—gewurz, viognier—the whole thing offset by candied sugar and oranges, then wrapped in a sweet curry paste with a fair bit of pepper and a pinch of ginger. Slightly off the beaten track perhaps, but I find it really lovely—and above all, dangerously drinkable. Finish: long, more peppery, more herbal too, which brings it all back into fine balance. Comments: a truly great Bons bois, for connoisseurs and everyone else (which makes no sense, S.)
SGP:661 - 90 points.
The bottle stands about 70 cl in capacity and is finished in clear glass to showcase the natural colour of the spirit. The front label is minimalist: off‑white background, fine black line drawing of a space‑launch rocket (a nod to “Fût-sée”) combined with the house name in bold uppercase. It was actually drawn by Benjamin's son. The creme wax capsule underscores its limited‑edition nature and adds a visual distinction on the shelf. The overall presentation is crisp and modern while respecting the refined world of Cognac.
This Cognac is best enjoyed neat at room temperature in a tulip‑shaped glass, allowing the aromas to concentrate and the refined lees‑influenced character to shine. For those who prefer a slightly softer impact, a few drops of water or a small ice cube may open the fruit and lift the texture, though the full body and 49 % strength already offer good presence. Serve after dinner or as a contemplative sip in the evening, when its subtle complexity can be fully appreciated.
Flavour profile
Bons Bois are just above Bois Ordinaires in terms of Cognac cru prestige, but age, good wood and careful maturation can elevate these otherwise scorned crus to good cognacs. Grosperrin for instance are masters of that (their Lot 52-22 for instance is just sublime), and WV Baker show here that they...
What a playful label! The whole thing—name included—gives off a delightfully good-natured, if slightly cheeky, vibe. Colour: gold. Nose: this one’s more on the earthy and herbal side, very much in line with the character of most ‘bois’, leaning towards fruit skins (melons, peaches) and moderately...
A vibrant, precise cognac. Ripe pear and apple with citrus peel, faint florals and fresh oak, then a clean Ugni Blanc palate of crisp orchard fruit with a leesy richness. Fresh, pure and hugely drinkable.
I found the WV Baker La-Fut-See to be a very good aged Cognac and reasonably priced. It has a good aroma. I found it to be a little fruit forward, a some spice and Oakland at the end, and a long finish. I drink it neat, but some may prefer it with a cube of ice, or a drop of water. If you are looking...
Luckily more and more Bons Bois is coming to the market. Some of these are very good, but most of them is quite ignorable. Lheraud and Grosperrin have both released good Bons Bois. The question is if this one is of the same quality. This is a single cask from 1991 bottled at 49%. The color is quite...
WV Baker & Cie is a love story about a beautiful French girl and a lucky Englishman who met in Saintes, a Roman town steeped in history and surrounded by rolling acres of cognac vines. Saintes sits at the heart of the Fins Bois region, with the vineyards of Petite Champagne and Bons Bois on either side. This is where Benjamin Baker grew up. It is where he learned to know and love the secrecy of the many treasures yet to be revealed: works less strict, less formal, and less dictated by the convention of time.
This is what he brings to his cognacs: a little bit of English influence, perhaps, and a touch of the Scotch Whisky style, but especially a sense of the freedom and artistry that is so close to his heart and to the gentle way of life of his hometown.
