8 Luscious Armagnacs You Can Buy Right Now
Some friends recently asked for Armagnac recommendations, prompting this list of readily available favorites.
I’ve had good experiences with all of the suggested purveyors, and the prices are fair given the quality of the Armagnacs and the state of the market.
Below are my picks in ascending order. Enjoy!
8. 1980 Chateau de Lacquy
I’ve had this a few times, it’s never disappointed. Typical Lacquy elegance, great texture, lovely flavors and a little boldness to boot. $400 is the best price around, a handful of other purveyors sell this bottle for $430-500.
$400 Schneider’s (now cellar.com)
7. 1989 Laberdolive
Marzipan, root beer and brittle toffee on the nose. Sweetened ginger beer and brown sugar on the palate. Rancio, black licorice and graphite on the finish. A fine expression from a preeminent producer.
6. 1995 Laberdolive
Excellent vintage, good value, a dark, rich flavor profile emblematic of the brand. I recommended it to a whiskey aficionado who told me “…after my first tasting I am absolutely in love.”
5. 1985 Domaine Boingnères
Fruit plus strength. A dazzling part of a recent Armagnac desert pairing, it was a sterling delegate from this “holy trinity” domaine.
$292 Saratoga Wine | Rye Brook Wines
4. 1975 Marcillac
An under-the-radar Armagnac sold exclusively by a lone purveyor in France. Exquisite flavor, nose through finish. If there is any knock, it lacks a bit of complexity, but I’m being really picky. A favorite.
AOML Score: 93 | AOML Review
$275 (plus shipping from France) Cognac Expert
3. 1975 Domaine Boingnères
The Baco sings. A flat-out phenomenal vintage year for Boingnères.
$390 Saratoga Wine | Rye Brook Wines
2. 1971 Darroze Domaine de Gaube
Darroze is a négotiant, bottling Armagnac from a slate of producers. De Gaube is a stunning domaine, the ’71 is a stellar year. I had this again recently compliments of a friend, and boy, was it fantastic.
$338 (plus shipping from the UK) The Whiskey Exchange
1. 1979 Laberdolive
The ’79 is exemplary. Earthy, complex, rounded mouthfeel with well-integrated alcohol. You can detect its brilliance from the first aromas, and it only gives and gives from there.
AOML Score: 95 | AOML Review
$383 (plus shipping from the UK) The Whiskey Exchange