Pellehaut 1989 Armagnac Ténarèze
Armagnac
Château de Pellehaut // Ténarèze, France
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Cost
Pellehaut is a successful farm that produces grains, livestock, and, most important for our purposes, grapes. There is an ambitious still wine program, but the true star is the ugni blanc used to make Armagnac. The vintages are often aged at least 20 years before release giving the Ténarèze fruit an opportunity to fully bloom.
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age24 Year
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abv49.9
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ArmagnacBrandy distilled in a delimited region within France from specified grapes . Typically, only single-distilled, but not required. Aged in oak. Minimum aging: if VS-1 year (2 years, if exported), VSOP-5 years, XO-10 years (as of April 2018. Previously 6 years), Hors d’Age-10 years.
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Cask TypeFrench oak
Tasting Notes
"This unadulterated brandy sparkles in the glass with a vibrant red/orange hue. The aromatics are typical ugni blanc, that is: candied citrus, baked almond, and white flower. At a wise 24 years of age the armagnac has mature oaky flavors, but also a youthful kick absent in some of Pellehaut's older vintages. (This is probably a result of the robust 49.9 degrees of alcohol.) Recommended as a great value in brown spirits, but not for the meek. Think more Booker's than Basil's. In a world where 20 year single malt has crossed into triple-digit pricing and similarly aged American whiskey is a memory, we should be thankful for the Gascognian patience with these bottles. "
Reviewed by
John Rankin