L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon
Every year, in homage to its historic ties with China, Maison Martell – the oldest of the great Cognac houses – releases an exclusive edition of its most exceptional cognac, inspired by that year’s zodiac animal. 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. Today, the House presents L’Or de Jean Martell 1715 Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon, a cognac which – while retaining the essential character of the original blend – subtly evokes this most revered of Chinese zodiac animals. Beyond its tribute to the dragon’s symbolism, this cognac subtly intertwines with the diverse cultural heritage of the Asian American community. Crafted to resonate with the values of strength, unity, and prosperity, it invites enthusiasts to savour a blend that echoes the harmony and richness found within the tapestry of Asian traditions.
The personality of the dragon embodied by an exceptional blend…
For Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud, the challenge was to enrich L’Or de Jean Martell 1715 without modifying its essence, but while bringing to the fore certain attributes – power, perseverance, nobility and immortality – associated with the dragon. He thus made a careful selection of very old eaux-de-vie drawn from different Years of the Dragon, and combined them with the original blend – 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, which unites the unprecedented intensity and elegance of the original cognac with unparalleled warmth, generosity and aromatic balance, evoking the controlled and benevolent power associated with the dragon.
L’Or de Jean Martell 1715 Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon 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 as dragon’s eye. crystalThese 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 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 Christophe Valtaud.
… and a magnificent, flamboyant design
To showcase L’Or de Jean Martell 1715 Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon, Maison Martell created in collaboration with Baccarat – one of France’s most revered manufacturers of fine crystal, founded in 1764 – an object of exquisite elegance: a decanter whose sleek lines evoke a single, pure drop of cognac, complementing to perfection the richness and refinement of the blend within. The decanter, whose neck is embellished with engraved 19-carat gold, is crowned by a sculptural representation of a dragon’s head, completely unique and perfect in every vibrant detail, which is signed Martell x Baccarat.
Inside a beautifully crafted box whose red metal doors are embossed with a pattern suggesting dragon’s skin, the decanter rests on a gold-tone pedestal finely engraved with tiny scales. 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.
Historical milestones and Asian connection
Maison Martell holds a rich legacy with Asia. In 1858, Martell was the first Maison to ship to China, paving the way for a storied journey across the continent. Subsequently reaching Japan in 1868, Singapore in 1872, and Malaysia in 1894, Martell’s distribution network expanded, solidifying its reputation and making it a prominent name in the region. Today, Martell stands as the leading Cognac brand in China, boasting approximately significant value share in both total Cognac and Prestige categories.
Martell’s commitment to Asia extends to collaborations with Chinese artists such as Jacky Tsai and Angel Chen. Looking ahead, the Maison is set to deepen these partnerships, emphasising a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that resonates across the continent.
Cesar Giron, Chairman & CEO of Société Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët, shared his insights during a recent visit to Asia, stating, “Our ultra-prestige segment, featuring standout offerings like L’Or de Jean Martell and the Martell Zodiac editions, is receiving phenomenal response in Asia.
Your enthusiasm not only fills us with pride but also propels our pursuit of excellence.” Maison Martell invites enthusiasts and connoisseurs to experience the L’Or de Jean Martell 1715 Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Dragon, a harmonious blend that encapsulates the spirit of the Chinese dragon while embodying the Maison’s enduring legacy and rich history in Asia.
Available in limited quantities at fine US retailers nationwide for a SRP of $10,500.To learn more, please visit L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac edition – Assemblage du Dragon | Martell Cognac
About Maison Martell
The oldest of the great cognac houses, founded by Jean Martell in 1715, Maison Martell is renowned throughout the world for the finesse and elegance of its cognacs, the result of a legacy of savoir-faire handed down through nine generations. Together with a passion for its craft and a profound attachment to the terroir, Maison Martell is defined by the audacity with which it has challenged convention to create new expressions of cognac, including the icon Martell Cordon Bleu in 1912. The free spirit of the House is symbolised by its historic emblem: the swift.
