Germain-Robin 17 Year Old Pinot Noir Single Barrel Brandy

Germain-Robin 17 Year Old Pinot Noir Single Barrel Brandy is a single-barrel treasure from California's pioneering craft brandy house: distilled in 2005 from Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, aged 17 years in heirloom Limousin oak, and bottled at 42.8% ABV (85.6 proof), 750mL — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

Germain-Robin was founded in Ukiah, Mendocino County, by Cognac-trained Hubert Germain-Robin and Ansley Coale, the pioneers who proved California could make world-class brandy. After E. & J. Gallo acquired the distillery's aged stocks in 2017, a handful of single-barrel treasures were released under Hubert's own supervision — this is one of them. The base wine is a still Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, originally vinified for excellent sparkling wine: possibly the only brandy ever made from such a base. It was double-distilled in Prulho Charentais pot stills, the same type used in Cognac.

Tasting notes (per the distiller's notes): an aroma of ripe cherry, currants, and sugared dry plums lifted with toasted oak, with layers of nutmeg and butterscotch; a rich palate of pomegranate, raspberry jam, and more cherry; light touches of leather. Dark fruit — black cherry and plum — with vanilla and subtle spice, a layered palate of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and caramelized sugar, and a long warming finish.

Why buy this brandy? Because it is a one-barrel, 17-year-old California brandy from the founders of the American craft brandy movement — a Gallo-era release drawn from the original distillery stocks under Hubert Germain-Robin's supervision. Single-barrel picks were bottled at barrel strength across 41.4%–42.8% ABV, so each bottle is its own vintage. Browse the Germain-Robin brand collection, more cognac and brandy, and other fine spirits.

Serving note: neat in a tulip or snifter at room temperature to catch the cherry and Limousin-oak layers; superb after dinner.

How old is this brandy? 17 years — distilled in 2005 in Charentais pot stills, aged in heirloom Limousin oak barrels, bottled circa 2022.

What grapes are used? 100% Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, Mendocino County — originally vinified as still wine for sparkling wine.

Who makes Germain-Robin? Founded by Cognac-trained Hubert Germain-Robin in Ukiah, California; this single barrel was selected and released from the original distillery stocks under his supervision.

Is the ABV the same on every bottle? No — single-barrel picks ranged from 41.4% to 42.8% ABV; this bottle is listed at 42.8% ABV (85.6 proof).