The L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon is a homage to the most emblematic of all the animals of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon. — Photos: Martell
Every year, Maison Martell releases an exclusive edition of its most exceptional cognac, inspired by that year’s zodiac animal, and as a homage to its historic ties with China.
The L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition series was introduced in 2022 with the L’Assemblage du Tigre as an ode to the Year Of the Tiger, and it quickly became one of the most highly-sought after releases for cognac lovers. It was followed by the L’Or De Jean Martell 1715 – the Assemblage du Lapin, or the Martell Zodiac Rabbit in 2023.
However, the recently released L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon might just be the most highly prized edition of the series yet. After all, 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon, probably the most emblematic of all the animals of the Chinese zodiac, and certainly the one most universally associated with China.
This rare and prestigious edition is available in strictly limited quantities – only fewer than 750 pieces, each individually numbered, have been released, and the cognac itself is a true masterpiece of blending.
The L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon might just be the most highly prized edition of the series yet.
The cognac
When creating this exceptional cognac, Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, faced the challenge of enriching the L’Or de Jean Martell without modifying its essence, but at the same time, bring to the fore certain attributes associated with the dragon, such as power, perseverance, nobility and immortality.
To do so, Valtaud drew a selection of very old eaux-de-vie drawn from different Years of the Dragon, and combined them with the original blend, creating in a complex harmony of more than 1,400 eaux-de-vie from the four finest terroirs in the Cognac region.
The result is a pure masterpiece of blending that unites the unprecedented intensity and elegance of the original cognac with unparalleled warmth, generosity and aromatic balance, while evoking the controlled and benevolent power associated with the dragon.
It opens with an explosion of fresh, vibrant floral aromas – lily, lilac, pansy – which merge deliciously into intense and generous notes of candied fruit, including tamarind, lotus seeds and longan, also known, aptly enough, as dragon’s eye.
These are complemented by aromas of dried fruit and nuts, then notes of red and black fruit, notably wild strawberry, blackberry and blackcurrant.
As the cognac evolves, spices and noble woods – Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, cedar and sandalwood – heighten the sensation of warmth, while aromas of earth and rancio wine evoke the atmosphere of the legendary Jean Martell cellar, where Maison Martell’s most precious eaux-de-vie are kept.
Finally, exceptional length on the palate suggests the immortal nature of the Chinese dragon, which particularly inspired Valtaud.
Maison Martell collaborated with Baccarat – one of France’s most revered manufacturers of fine crystal, founded in 1764 – to create an object of exquisite elegance.
The decanter
An exceptional cognac deserves an exceptional vessel. To showcase L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon, Maison Martell collaborated with Baccarat – one of France’s most revered manufacturers of fine crystal, founded in 1764 – to create an object of exquisite elegance: a decanter with sleek lines that evoke a single, pure drop of cognac, complementing the richness and refinement of the blend within.
The decanter has a neck that is embellished with engraved 19-carat gold, and crowned by a sculptural representation of a dragon’s head, completely unique and perfect in every vibrant detail, which is signed Martell x Baccarat.
It rests on a gold-tone pedestal finely engraved with tiny scales inside a beautifully crafted box with red metal doors embossed with a pattern that is meant to resemble a dragon’s skin.
This magnificent ensemble is displayed against a dramatic, gold-colour backdrop decorated with motifs of grapevines, oak barrels and Martell swifts around a flamboyant Chinese dragon – a poetic evocation, not only of the Year of the Dragon, but also of the enduring friendship between Maison Martell and China.
With such elegance and perfection stemming from the cognac to the decanter, the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon could be Maison Martell’s most exceptional expression yet.
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