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Exploring a new dimension of Martell Ageing Savoir-Faire, this is the latest incantation of the famous Martell VSOP. They exclusively age our eaux de vie in fine grained oak barrels, in order to enhance subtly the delicate fruity aromas of our spirits, crafted from Martell specific distillation method. When a barrel is called ‘Red’, a reference to the reddish color of aged wood, it has aged before other eaux-de-vie during at least 2 years up to 8 years, reaching the perfect stage of maturation for both the wood and the spirit.

For Martell VSOP aged in Red Barrels, our cellar master selected only these very rare red fine grained oak barrels to age this cognac, highlighting Martell specific ageing style.

At first, the bouquet is round and fresh, run through by intense fruity notes. The aromas of fresh yellow stone fruits, like cherry plum and baby Reine-Claude, are gently coated by subtle mellowed woody notes. Once in motion, the power of its aromas grows and gains depth, with fleshier fruits such as apricot or vine peach chiming in. In the mouth, it has a full, broad attack and unveils the same intense fruity tones, small plums and honeymoon peaches and apricots. The fruity flavours are marvelously enhanced by delicate notes of sweet spices from the wood of the russet barrels, the very same barrels that create that perfect balance between the expressiveness of the eaux-de-vie and refinement of the spiced notes.

Spier Estate’s flagship wine comes from west and northwest-facing slopes of the Helderberg is the place where all the vines were grown, and all within a 10km radius, and produce only 6,000 bottles yearly. Decomposed granite soils retain water well, allowing for slow ripening and heightened mineral complexity. The area benefits from the cooling effect of the nearby Atlantic.

The balance, and the refined elegance of this blend, with its long finish, is the result of a growing season that goes down in my books as textbook perfect. A properly wet winter, some spring rain and a dry, mild summer allowed for longer hang-time, followed by quick picking.

Grapes are handpicked, De-stemming and hand-selecting all adds to a great taste, in the end. Every detail is crucial. The components were mostly fermented in small 600L roller fermenters for quite a long time on the skins, giving it time to settle and come into its own. Malolactic fermentation was done in barrel – a period of about 24 months on the lees in barrels. The difference grapes are then tasted, blended and sent back into the barrel for 4 to 5 months, before racking and bottling. This wine will show best at 10 years after harvest, and will complement rich red meat dishes like ribeye, beef roasts and smoky barbeque fillet steaks.

There’s superb balance between sugar and natural acidity. With all the grapes being of Helderberg origin, we were able to achieve consistency in style. Cabernet Sauvignon was everything we wanted it to be – and more – so we gave it dominance in the blend. Adding Cabernet Franc from a younger vintage in the final blend contributes a freshness and element of surprise.

Tim Atkin: 92Pts

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 year old single malt whisky gains its distinctive character from being matured in two wood types. To make The Balvenie DoubleWood, David Stewart MBE takes whisky that has spent at least 12 years in traditional whisky casks, American Oak ex-Bourbon barrels and hogsheads, and moves it to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks for an additional nine months. Each stage lends different qualities to the resulting single malt whisky.

The traditional casks soften and add delicate character, the sherry wood brings depth and fullness of flavour and the final few months in our tuns allow the whiskies to marry harmoniously. Sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla. Smooth and mellow with beautifully combined flavours, nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry. 

Created from a meticulous blend of eaux-de-vie from the finest crus, Martell Noblige embodies harmony and precision. Its smooth structure and refined finish speak of Martell’s mastery — a balance achieved only through centuries of savoir-faire.

Pre-Order Terms & Conditions

• Pre-orders are available for deliveries scheduled in February 2026.
• Deliveries are made on weekdays only, and specific time slots cannot be guaranteed.
• Pre-order pricing (5% off) is valid throughout November 2025 only.