Overall (81)

Martell VSOP lands pretty much where I expected: textbook balance, if a touch predictable. The structure is clean and there's enough oak to keep me interested, though it doesn't stray far from the standard VSOP script. Definitely a bottle I'd reach for when I want something reliable but not especially challenging.

Aroma

On the nose I get gentle oak layered with stone fruit, mostly peach and plum.

Taste

The palate leans into that oak-driven style with a nice thread of spice and some juicy apricot.

Finish

Finish is medium-length, a little more wood than fruit at the end. Not much evolution after the swallow but no harshness either just smooth sailing out