1970 Dartigalongue 44 Year Old Armagnac (500ml)

Dartigalongue, in the Western part of Bas Armagnac, lays claim to being the oldest house in the appellation. The family began to distill in 1813. Their vineyards reside on soils that are more sandy than those in the East of Bas Armaganc. These sandy soils tend to produce grapes with higher acidity, which results in very round spirits with plenty of finesse. The house also employs mostly Gascogne oak (90%) which gives the eau de vie more spice than those aged in majority Limousin oak. It remains a family run operation with production around 60,000 bottles per year.

Vintage Armagnacs are exclusively the product of the year mentioned on the label. Only exceptional years are selected. Extended age vintage bottlings (some are over 100 years old) can leave the impression of having spent too much time on oak. The key to success is balance - combining those rare and highly desirable characteristics that only come with great age while retaining some of the vibrancy and fruit sweetness of youth.

Tasting note [from a 20ml sample]. Slightly pale, deep copper colour. Opening scents are subtle, woody, beeswax-like. Second pass ups the intensity and adds hints of cardamom. Five minutes releases dilute maple syrup, old cigar box and sap like characteristics. Big, broad delivery. Mid palate features roasted nuts, dilute maple syrup and buttered raisin cake followed by a wave of oak. Vanilla and mocha aftertaste, closes tannic and firm. The price is remarkable for such an old example. 40% Alc./Vol.
Very limited stocks.