Yellow amber in color with a bouquet of dark caramel, fig jam, vanilla, hazelnut, and warm spice; subtle layers of complexity gently unfold to saturate the palate with a long finish. Seamless and elegant; a beautiful expression of Cognac... Gold Star
Rating:       October 2010

This is an elite designation bestowed on a limited number of products deemed to be of exceptional merit by the Santé Food, Wine & Spirits Review tasting panel.
Rating:       Holiday 2009
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June 2008

Family-owned Frapin has nearly 500 acres of Grande Champagne vineyards, amassed over five centuries. So the venerable house has plenty of long-aged (average 25-30 years) Premier Cru brandies from the family reserves to bring to the blend that goes into this prestigious bottle. Subtle and delicate, VIP XO lingers on the palate long after the glass is empty.
November 11, 2006

Frapin VIP XO offers additional power and concentration with more nuances of age.
January 11, 2006

Rich on the palate with dried apple, vanilla, and caramel; finishes with a hint of smoke and orange peel.
Holiday 2005

For the aspiring Cognac connoisseur (or anyone in need of a refresher course), Flavien Desoblin of the Brandy Library recommends sampling "the Little Four." Voluptuous, with a smooth, velvety texture; vanilla notes but not sweet.
November 28, 2005

Voluptuous, with a smooth, velvety texture; vanilla notes but not sweet.
November 28, 2005

Our editors pick the year's must-have spirits. #1 Cognac of 2004.
Rating: 96-100 - Highest Recommendation      December 31, 2004

And the Winners are... Best Brandy of 2004
December 2004

Classic (96-100) Highest Recommendation
Rating: 96-100 Points      July 2004

VIP XO is one of the most beautiful cognacs I've ever seen, the rich chestnut/bronze color shines under the examination lamp-perfect purity; the opening salvo of aroma is assertive and vigorous as zesty notes of pine, oak and parchment get the attention of the olfactory sense...the palate entry is fruity, almost jammy and sweet-at midpalate, the smooth, satiny, creamy texture provides one of the highlights along with supple, mature and beguiling flavors of cocoa, chocolate cake frosting, butter cream and walnut; concludes as elegantly as it begins. Nothing less than one of the greatest grape brandies I've ever tasted, both in 1994 and 2004. Has lost none of its grandeur and grace over the last decade and, if anything, seems perhaps a touch rounder in texture. A great distilled spirit.
Rating: 5 stars-Highest Recommendation      June 2004
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Complex, mellow, and round with delicate aromas and honeysuckle, fruit, subtle oak, and spice; soft, gentle finish.
January 2004