-
Baron Gaston Legrand Bas Armagnac 1975
Distiller Score 91
Rich hazelnut and vanilla fill the glass, as secondary aromas of chocolate fudge, walnuts, honey and orange peel emerge. On the palate, more roasted nut flavors mix with warm caramel, cinnamon, pear and roasted coffee flavors. The finish brings fresh mint, caramel apple, and nougat before a final, bitter chocolate note.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
-
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
-
Domaine d'Aurensan Armagnac 20 Ans
Distiller Score 97
This is a beautiful example of armagnac from the Ténarèze. It sits in the glass with a beautiful mahogany with hints of ruby. On the palate this is a "rancio bomb" with heady flavors of sandalwood, baked prune, candied praline and a long, comforting finish with a touch of spice. Bravo to the Rozès family for a truly astonishing example of armagnac blending.
Reviewed by John Rankin
-
Chateau de Leberon 1986 Armagnac Ténarèze
Distiller Score 87
The Leberon armagnacs have a very deep, brown pitch -- absolutely impressive especially considering there is no caramel coloring. The nose follows with a deep, nutty profile. At 29 years old, this is no infant, but there is a youthful spike of acidity that adds a nice structure to the more autumnal flavors. At only 44.7% alcohol, the finish is rich without leaving much of a burn. The natural reduction of alcohol is facilitated by keeping barrels only partially full to promote interaction with oxygen -- this practice also softens the wood tannins and improves the finish.
Reviewed by John Rankin
-
Chateau de Leberon 1964 Armagnac Ténarèze
Distiller Score 98
At over five decades, this Armagnac is a kaleidoscope of rancio, pimento, five-spice, anise candy, and preserved fig. The alcohol has broken down completely to a warm, glycerol, tide softly washing the dark flavors across the palate. The finish continues to reverberate the earlier flavors and lasts and lasts and lasts. Only 120 liters exist. The perfect birth year splurge that could be enjoyed for years to come.
Reviewed by John Rankin
-
Domaine d'Aurensan Armagnac 1975 Single Cask
Distiller Score 90
It's no easy feat to let a spirit age for 40 years in barrel and still be drinkable. One must have a deep knowledge of their cellar and how their brandies age. On this achievement alone this is an armagnac well deserving of your attention. That being said, a 40 year old brandy will not be for everyone's taste. The aromatics are quite fresh with butterscotch, hard toffee, and a bit of reduced plum. In the mouth the flavors journey from marzipan and crème brûlée to spice, cinnamon, and finally a ghost of orange marmalade. The whole package is encased in dark wood tannins and dense mouthfeel. This is deep and completely resolved. Some tasters may enjoy more fruit, but for a brandy lover who enjoys the rich oak and rancio flavor that only age can bring, this is outstanding.
Reviewed by John Rankin