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Baron Gaston Legrand Bas Armagnac 1984
Distiller Score 96
Roasted pecan and hazelnut, tarte tatin, lemon peel, herbs, and cigar-locker notes appear on the bouquet. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy with flavors of hazelnut, marzipan, oak, dried apples, cedar, and tea spices to complement clover honey, and orange blossom notes. The finish is long and satisfying, and bring cinnamon, a bit of cedar, and some more cigar notes.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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Pellehaut 1983 Armagnac Ténarèze
Distiller Score 93
This has a beautiful mahogany color with scarlet highlights -- indicative of the non-manipulation by any additions including dilution by water. The bold, zesty, citrus character of the armagnac is amplified from a brawny 47.8 degrees of alcohol, but the long aging has also given the brandy a nutty, rancio flavor leading to excellent balance. This a powerful spirit -- perhaps a bit much for newcomers to the category, but a very rare treat for the initiated.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Tariquet Bas-Armagnac 1993
Distiller Score 92
There's a pleasing mix of dried fruit and spice found on the nose with just a hint of mustiness. On the palate, the Armagnac is soft and has just enough sweetness to make it balanced. The finish is warming and slightly slick with dark berries and a hint of anise; a fine sipping Armagnac.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac 1985
Distiller Score 95
Ravignan's brandies combine the power and structure of a short stay in new, French oak barrels with the succulent fruit of Armagnac distilled to a low degree of alcohol. The 1985 vintage is a fantastic example that shows soaring (and a bit uncommon) flavors of vanilla bean with a more classic back drop of milk chocolate, prune, and exotic spice. The mouthfeel is rich and decadent -- not surprising for a spirit that has spent 29 years maturing. After a lingering taste of Asian spice and clove, it's apparent that this is world class armagnac.
Reviewed by John Rankin