Tasting Notes #21-25

TASTING NOTES #21

1929 Darroze Chateau La Brise

Aged in Oak Casks for 7 Years. Bottled September 1987.

42% ABV

Color: Light walnut.

Nose: Chanterelle mushroom, moist forest soil, hairspray, marzipan, almond extract.

Palate: Indian spices, baked stone fruit, soft dry rotted wood, crème brûlée crust.

Finish: Chantilly cream, a waft of oak.

Summary: La Brise, French for the breeze, is a fitting name, as this Armagnac possesses light, ethereal wood flavors. Given its subtlety and short ageing, it still contains an admirable degree of complexity, displaying earth on the nose and crème on the palate and finish. Drink less for the age and more for the subtle distinctiveness of the brandy.

When to Drink: This is an exciting drink for the seasoned aficionado who wants to explore the edges of Armagnac. Drink any time you can get your hands on it.

Score: 89

TASTING NOTES #22

1989 Chateau de Pellehaut

Aged in Oak Casks for 32 Years

49.5% ABV

Color: Dark amber with light orange highlights.

Nose: Dried apricot, oatmeal raisin cookie, orange oil, damp earth.

Palate: Zippy orange, Belgian waffle, nutmeg.

Finish: Black pepper, prune, and a lasting wet oak.

Summary: A bold, brawny, tenacious Tenareze. Not the most complex brandy, but enjoyable.

When to drink: When plotting your revenge. 

Score: 87

TASTING NOTES #23

1994 Chateau De Leberon

Aged in Oak Casks for 27 Years

46% ABV

Color: Copper.

Nose: Dark and rounded nose of plum, nougat, damp forest, brown sugar, pine.

Palate: Soft and silky smooth mouthfeel, prune, pie crust, leather.

Finish: Mississippi mud, watered down bitters, tree bark.

Summary: Another shadowy and skulky Tenareze, the nose is dark and rounded, and once it opens the scents are followed by a trace of pine. Less complex than the ’87 Leberon, but brooding nonetheless. Four is goin’ down, ain’t but three comin’ back.

When to drink: When you’re feeling bad, like Jesse James.

Score: 87

TASTING NOTES #24

1995 L’Encantada Domaine Lous Pibous

Cask #146

Aged 23 Years in Oak Casks

56.4% ABV

Color: Dark copper with yellow highlights.

Nose: Spicy cinnamon, dried fruit mix, acrylic paint, dates.

Palate: Dark caramel, plum, raisin, dry redwood.

Finish: Red Hot candies, brown sugar, oak, charred marshmallow, Christmas spices. The finish is long and lingering, with a subtle licorice candy and orange peel trailing off into the sunset.

Summary: Powerful without being overpowering, strength with underlying mellowness. The palate is very present and forward, it does not drop out in between the nose and finish as many Armagnacs do. A pleasure to enjoy slowly, worthy of the vaunted Pibous name.

Score: 90

TASTING NOTES #25

Eric Artiguelongue VSOP

40% ABV

Color: Light amber with gold shimmers.

Nose: House paint, almond, vanilla.

Palate: Mild flavors of brown butter, fig jelly and a medicinal note.

Finish: Prune, off-brand cola.

Summary: A blend of 80% Ugni Blanc, 10% Folle Blanche and 10% Colombard, cut with water to achieve 40% ABV.

When to drink: Day drinking. On a Tuesday.

Score: 79

AOML Rating scale:

<75 Not recommended

75-79 Average, contains some flaws

80-84 Good, well-made Armagnac

85-89 Very good, an Armagnac with special qualities

90-94 Outstanding, an Armagnac of exceptional character and style

95-100 Classic, an Armagnac for the ages