Prunier Vintage 1974 Fins Bois Cognac

Prunier Vintage 1974 Fins Bois Cognac: a Rare and Rich Cognac, Forty Years in the Making

Prunier Vintage 1974 Fins Bois Cognac celebrates a certain finesse that can only be found in a Fins Bois blend: a rich and aromatic piece of history told through the inimitable savoir-faire of the historic house of Prunier. 

The Ugni Blanc grapes used in this vintage were harvested on the clay and stone soils of the Fins Bois terroir back in 1974 and the distilled eaux-de-vie were then left to age in old oak casks for a staggering 42 years before finally being bottled in October 2016. 

A limited edition of only 821 bottles, this rare Cognac from the famous Fins Bois cru has gained momentum and popularity amongst connoisseurs thanks to its woody and nutty notes. Described as a vintage "filled with delicious and complex flavors", it's even rarer to find a vintage from this specific growing region, the eaux-de-vie from which are mostly used in younger blends.

The legal requirements to receive a vintage status are relatively strict and difficult to achieve for Cognac producers. The seal of a single year demijohn must only be broken by a sworn representative before being bottled, and therefore none of the Cognac stored inside can be touched, tasted or removed throughout the aging process.

Thanks to this natural method of allowing the Cognac to fully express itself, untouched by human hands for over four decades, the 1974 Vintage Fins Bois has a higher ABV of 52.7% and is therefore considered a natural cask strength Cognac.

The strict processes of aging, distillation and bottling have all taken place in a bonded warehouse in order to ensure authenticity, with Prunier's attention to detail stretching to every single step of production.

Presentation of the Bottle

Prunier vintage bottles are inspired by a 19th-century design developed by the ancestors of current manager Claude Burnez. Each bottle is blown semi-manually by French artisans using traditional methods and therefore every single one is unique with its cascade of bubbles trapped inside. 

Each bottle is sealed with wax, replicating the strict process of sealing the demijohns to protect and prove the Cognac's vintage status. The 1974 Vintage Fins Bois Cognac boasts a warm pink wax seal with parchment-colored and burnt orange detailing on the body of the bottle. Every bottle features an individual bottle number out of 821.

The bottle comes with a stunning wooden box adorned with the Maison Prunier logo for display, storage or gifting purposes.

How to Enjoy Prunier Vintage 1974 Fins Bois Cognac

As with many vintage Cognacs like this, it’s best to enjoy it neat, perhaps with friends or loved ones to celebrate a particular anniversary or birthday from this year. 

Pour into a tulip glass, and wait a few minutes before taking a sip. Make sure to swirl the glass in order to increase aeration, appreciate its nutty aromas and enjoy the plethora of flavors on the palate.

If you feel this vintage may be a little strong for your tastes, you're welcome to add a few drops of water. It makes a delightful digestif, especially when enjoyed alongside a cigar or an espresso. The nutty notes of this vintage would pair particularly well with a rich and creamy tiramisu, or a subtly spiced pear poached in red wine.