A remarkable and highly collectible bottling from a historic house, this Exshaw Fine Champagne Napoleon Cognac represents a bygone era of masterful blending. Produced in the 1970s, the "Réserve D'Austerlitz" is a tribute to the grand history of France and the Napoleonic legacy, presented by a Cognac producer founded in 1805 by John Exshaw. This specific release is a rare find, celebrating a rich heritage that once earned the house the prestigious title of purveyor to Prince Napoleon.
This exceptional spirit is designated as a Fine Champagne cognac, signifying a sophisticated blend of eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from the two most revered crus: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Such a blend is a hallmark of quality, renowned for its aromatic complexity, elegance, and outstanding potential for aging. This vintage bottle is a snapshot of the traditional production methods and flavor profiles characteristic of the mid-20th century.
The presentation itself is a work of art, steeped in historical allusion. The name Réserve D'Austerlitz and the detailed battle scene depicted on the label evoke the famous Napoleonic victory, tying the cognac directly to an imperial era of French history. For collectors, this is more than a spirit; it is a preserved artifact that captures the essence of the Exshaw brand before it was acquired by Otard in 1975, making bottlings from this period particularly sought-after.
As the Exshaw brand is no longer in production, each bottle is a finite piece of liquid history. This 1970s Réserve D'Austerlitz is a testament to a legendary house and a unique opportunity to own a piece of its celebrated past, preserved in outstanding condition.
The bottle's elaborate labeling tells a story of prestige. The neck label carries the designation "Fine Champagne Napoleon," while a small, roundish label on the shoulder displays a heraldic coat of arms above the text "Fournisseurs Brevetés de S.A.I. Le Prince Napoléon," indicating its esteemed status as an official supplier. The main body label is visually striking, featuring a colorful and detailed illustration of a cavalry battle. Above this scene, the words "Fine Napoleon" are printed in a large serif font on a green banner. Below, "Cognac Exshaw" and "Réserve D'Austerlitz" are clearly displayed, with the house's founding year, 1805, highlighted in a bold, red font. The diagonal back label identifies the bottle as a "Französisches Erzeugnis" (French Product) imported for the German market by Roland Markenwaren of Hamburg.
The visual elements are distinctly vintage and evocative of the Napoleonic theme. A greenish-gold foil capsule, in excellent condition, covers the cork and is embossed with a stylized capital "N" set within a decorative floral wreath. Just below, a patterned green and gold band with vertical leaf motifs adorns the neck. A prominent circular green emblem is integrated into a vertical band on the bottle's body, also featuring the large, gold-bordered "N." The classic bottle shape and aged glass further contribute to its authentic, historical character.
This bottle has been preserved with exceptional care. The fill level is great, resting well above the shoulder and high into the neck, which signifies excellent cork integrity and minimal evaporation over the decades. The labels and capsule remain in very good condition, showing only minor wear consistent with a bottle of this considerable age, which enhances its authenticity as a genuine 1970s release.
This product is from a private seller. Please be aware that cabinet7 merely provides a platform to buy and sell. When sold, the seller will pack the bottle themselves and send it to the buyer. We do our best to make this process as smooth as possible, however there may be some delay.
If you have any questions, please read our FAQ or contact us.
Max von Olfers
Max von Olfers is the founder of cabinet7, and has 10 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Max has consumed is from 1855.
Malte Lukowski
Malte Lukowski runs the operations & collector item departments at cabinet7, and has 4 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Malte has consumed is from 1920.
