Tesseron Lot No 90 Selection XO Cognac 750ML

Tesseron Lot No 90 Selection XO Cognac 750ML is a 40% ABV blend of aged eaux-de-vie drawn from France's most prestigious Cognac crus, bottled at 750ml. This XO expression brings together spirits from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois — each matured a minimum of ten years in cellars beneath a 12th-century crypt at the Tesseron estate, a detail that has earned near-mythical status among Cognac collectors. Cognac-Expert awarded it 88 out of 100 points.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Cognac, France (Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Fins Bois)  |  XO — Minimum 10 Years  |  Distillery: Tesseron, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente

Production & Heritage

The Tesseron family operates from Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, situated between the towns of Cognac and Angoulême. Their lot-numbering system — unusual in an industry that typically relies on star ratings or letters — indicates the minimum age of the youngest eau-de-vie in each blend; Lot No 90 guarantees nothing younger than ten years enters the bottle. The house uses traditional Charentais double distillation on 100% Ugni Blanc grapes, then matures the resulting eaux-de-vie in oak within a subterranean crypt dating to the 12th century. These ancient stone cellars maintain naturally cool, humid conditions that promote slow, even oxidation — a factor widely credited with the refined character of Tesseron's aged stocks.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with surprisingly fresh pear and quince, followed by herbaceous undertones and a drift of crème brûlée. Toasted wood lingers beneath, lending warmth without heaviness.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward, with bright stone fruit giving way to dried orange peel and honeyed almond at the mid-palate. As it develops, marzipan and sweet wood spice emerge, supported by a backbone of dried fruits and nuts that adds depth without excess sweetness.

Finish: The finish is refreshingly clean for an XO of this age, with lingering notes of almond essence and subtle dried citrus. It closes with a gentle woodiness that invites the next sip rather than overwhelming the palate.

How to Drink Lot No 90

Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the most rewarding serve; a few drops of water can unlock additional fruit aromatics. This is a Cognac that also contributes genuine complexity to cocktails.

• Vieux Carré: The marzipan and dried fruit notes stand up to rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, adding layered richness.
• Sidecar: Lot No 90's fresh pear and citrus peel character harmonizes naturally with Cointreau and lemon juice.
• Sazerac (Cognac version): The toasted wood and honeyed almond backbone holds its structure against Peychaud's bitters and absinthe rinse.

Best For

• Gifting a Cognac enthusiast who values artisanal, family-owned producers over big-house brands
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar
• Building a Cognac collection that spans multiple terroirs within a single bottle
• Introducing experienced whisky drinkers to high-quality aged Cognac

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lot No 90 taste like? Lot No 90 leads with bright stone fruit and dried orange peel before shifting into honeyed almond, marzipan, and sweet wood spice. The finish is notably clean and refreshing for an XO-grade Cognac.

How does Lot No 90 compare to Rémy Martin XO? Both are XO Cognacs featuring Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, but reviewers consistently note that Lot No 90 delivers more complexity and nuance than Rémy Martin XO. Tesseron's smaller-scale production and ancient cellar aging contribute to a more layered, less commercially polished profile.

Is Lot No 90 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — neat is the primary recommended serve, as the ten-plus years of aging produce a smooth, well-integrated spirit that rewards slow tasting. A tulip-shaped glass concentrates the delicate pear and herbaceous aromas.

Where is Lot No 90 made? Lot No 90 is produced by the Tesseron family at their estate in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, in the heart of France's Cognac appellation. The blend draws eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois — three of Cognac's six designated growing areas.

What foods pair well with Lot No 90? Dark chocolate truffles complement the marzipan and dried fruit notes. Aged Comté cheese mirrors the nutty, toasted character. Tarte Tatin echoes the pear and quince aromatics. Roasted duck with orange glaze picks up the dried citrus peel. Crème brûlée is a near-literal match for the nose.

What sizes does Lot No 90 come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Lot No 90 worth the price? Lot No 90 positions as a premium XO Cognac from an independent, family-owned house, priced between entry-level XOs from major houses and ultra-premium single-estate bottlings. For drinkers seeking complexity and provenance over brand recognition, it represents strong value within the XO tier.

Why Lot No 90?

What separates this expression from the crowded XO field is Tesseron's transparent lot-numbering system and the extraordinary aging environment — a subterranean 12th-century crypt that few producers in Cognac can match. The tri-cru blend of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois creates a more multi-dimensional profile than single-cru bottlings, while the guaranteed minimum ten-year maturation places it well beyond the legal XO minimum. With an 88/100 score from Cognac-Expert and consistently favorable comparisons against major-house XOs costing more, Lot No 90 has earned its reputation as one of the most quietly accomplished Cognacs in its class.