Tesseron Lot No 29 Exception XO Cognac 750ML

Tesseron Lot No 29 Exception XO Cognac 750ML is a 100% Grande Champagne XO cognac bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml decanter. Robert Parker awarded this expression a perfect 100-point score in 2005, placing it among the most critically celebrated cognacs ever reviewed.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Grande Champagne, Cognac, France  |  XO (Extended Age)  |  Distillery: Tesseron Cognac, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente

Production & Heritage

Tesseron Cognac operates from Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, where the family has specialized in acquiring and aging exceptional eaux-de-vie exclusively from Grande Champagne — the most prized cru in the Cognac appellation. Lot No 29 is double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills heated by naked flame, a method that demands close attention but preserves maximum aromatic complexity from the blend of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche grapes. The aged eaux-de-vie that comprise this blend mature in a 12th-century stone crypt, originally belonging to a neighboring abbey, where constant temperature and humidity create ideal conditions — some of the house's oldest reserves stored there date back over 175 years.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose is heady and decadent, opening with dried apricots, freshly baked brioche, and mocha before unfolding into chocolate milk, Thompson grapes, and ripe stone fruit. Deeper exploration reveals figs, pears, peaches, and plums layered beneath gentle oak influence.

Taste: The palate enters with macerated dried fruit — figs and plums dominate — supported by successive waves of honey and exotic fruit. Mid-palate, cocoa and mocha emerge alongside delicate floral aromatics that add lift and freshness to the dense, concentrated fruit character.

Finish: Extraordinarily long, with honey, dark chocolate, and dried stone fruit lingering well beyond the final sip. The oak integration remains seamless throughout, never overshadowing the fruit but providing structural depth and a faintly spiced farewell.

How to Drink Lot No 29

A cognac of this caliber is best appreciated neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, allowing five to ten minutes of rest before the first sip so the full aromatic range can develop. A few drops of water may open additional floral and fruit nuances, but ice is not recommended at this quality level. For those inclined to mix: a Sidecar gains tremendous depth from the dried-fruit and mocha character; a Sazerac variation using cognac instead of rye pairs the honeyed richness with absinthe and Peychaud's in the drink's original French tradition; and a Vieux Carré benefits from the layered complexity Lot No 29 brings alongside sweet vermouth and Bénédictine.

Best For

• Gifting a serious cognac collector or spirits connoisseur who values critical acclaim
• Marking a milestone celebration — retirement, anniversary, or significant personal achievement
• After-dinner service alongside fine chocolate or aged cheeses
• Building a prestige spirits collection anchored by a 100-point expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lot No 29 taste like? Lot No 29 delivers concentrated macerated dried fruit — figs, plums, and apricots — interwoven with mocha, cocoa, and layers of honey, all lifted by subtle floral aromatics and supported by seamlessly integrated oak.

How does Lot No 29 compare to Hennessy Paradis? Both are prestige Grande Champagne cognacs, but Lot No 29 leans more heavily into dried fruit and mocha intensity, while Hennessy Paradis is generally described as lighter and more floral on the palate. Lot No 29 also holds a perfect 100-point Robert Parker score, a distinction Hennessy Paradis does not share.

Is Lot No 29 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — this is a cognac designed for contemplative neat drinking, where its extraordinary length and aromatic complexity can be fully appreciated over an extended session.

Where is Lot No 29 made? Lot No 29 is produced by Tesseron Cognac at their estate in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, France, using eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from the Grande Champagne cru, the most prestigious growing zone within the Cognac appellation.

What foods pair well with Lot No 29? Dark chocolate truffles complement the mocha and cocoa notes; aged Comté cheese echoes the nutty, honeyed character; dried fig and almond tart mirrors the cognac's dried-fruit core; foie gras provides a rich textural counterpoint; and crème brûlée bridges the caramelized sugar and vanilla oak tones.

What sizes does Lot No 29 come in? Tesseron Lot No 29 Exception XO is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Lot No 29 worth the price? Lot No 29 positions as an ultra-premium cognac, and its perfect 100-point Robert Parker score, exclusive Grande Champagne sourcing, and aging in centuries-old cellars place it in rare company — it represents serious value relative to comparably scored spirits in other categories.

Why Lot No 29?

A perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker is exceedingly rare in any spirits category, and Lot No 29 earned it through sheer quality rather than marketing scale. The blend draws from three classic Cognac grape varieties — Ugni Blanc for structure, Colombard for aromatic roundness, and Folle Blanche for precision — all sourced from Grande Champagne and aged in a 12th-century stone crypt with conditions that cannot be replicated. This is not a mass-produced prestige bottling; it is a family house's flagship expression that stands on critical acclaim and centuries of cellaring tradition. For anyone seeking a cognac that has been objectively validated at the highest level, Lot No 29 occupies a nearly singular position.