Charles Wells Ltd Vintage Early Landed Bottled 1996
⏳ Drinking Window & Cellar Guidance
As a distilled spirit bottled in 1996, it does not mature further in glass and is fully expressive now, remaining stable for decades if kept sealed and upright.
🍽️ Culinary Pairings
Dark chocolate, blue cheese, roasted duck
✨ Technical Specifications
This exceptional vintage Cognac represents a legendary chapter in Anglo-French liquid history: the tradition of 'Early Landed' spirits. Distilled from the 1973 harvest by the venerable house of Hine, the young spirit was shipped in cask across the English Channel to age in the cool, damp, and highly humid cellars of Bristol under the supervision of Charles Wells Ltd. Unlike Cognac matured in the drier cellars of Jarnac, Early Landed Cognacs benefit from a slow, gentle maturation where the humidity prevents excessive evaporation of water, allowing the alcohol level to glide down gracefully while preserving incredibly delicate, floral, and orange-peel notes. Bottled in 1996, this release showcases the exquisite synergy between Grande Champagne terroir and traditional British cellar aging, offering a refined, pale, and remarkably ethereal profile far removed from heavier, wood-dominated spirits.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1763 and later named in 1817 by Englishman Thomas Hine, Maison Hine is an esteemed Cognac house situated along the banks of the Charente River in Jarnac, France. Holding a distinguished Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II since 1962, the house is celebrated for its artisanal philosophy and dedicated focus on the premier terroirs of Grande and Petite Champagne. Hine is uniquely renowned for its mastery of single-vintage cognacs, including both classic Jarnac-aged releases and rare Early Landed casks matured in the damp, cool cellars of the United Kingdom. Emphasizing elegance, delicate floral aromatics, and minimal oak influence, the maison produces legendary expressions such as Antique XO Premier Cru, Triomphe, and single-harvest Bonneuil vintages.