Armagnac

• • 94

  Dartigalongue 15 Year Old Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  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.

  After tasting three expressions of quite disparate age, to generalise, the house style is fine, elegant and drier than most other Armagnacs we've encountered.

  Tasting note: Deep burnished copper. A sumptuous bouquet exudes melted butter, roasted nuts and dates in the first pass. The aspect shifts to raisin and prune in the second inspection; still further aeration introduces creme caramel. A delicious, semi-sweet delivery offers flavours of vanilla wafer and fruit cake with a supple texture finishing vibrant and dry with attractive hints of rancio, caramel and hazelnut in the lengthy aftertaste. At 15 years, Dartigalongue has everything going for it. Borderline 95 points. 40% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... 'Gold Medal' International Review of Spirits 2011.

  'Best Buy'...Spirit Journal 2001.

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• 1992 Dartigalongue 22 Year Old Armagnac (500ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $84. 99

  Bottle

  $1019.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  What other wood aged spirit offers a premium age statement for such a reasonable price?
  Distilled in 1992 after 22 years in oak and selling well under $100 - No wonder the French keep Armagnac to themselves!

  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.

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• • 92

  Dartigalongue 25 Year Old Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 45%

  Tasting note: [from a 20ml sample] Dazzling polished brass/copper colour shows beautiful clarity. Butterscotch, crème caramel and cocoa make for a dessert style opening sniff heightened by honeycombe, nougat and raisins in later stages. Semi sweet, concentrated profile offers light maple syrup, nougat and toasted almond flavours with a peppery overlay. Finish is dry and oak driven, but the tannins carry enough sweetness to sustain the aftertaste nicely. 45% Alc./Vol. Very Limited.

  Other reviews... 90 points Guide des Vins France 2013.

  'Platinum' Best French Wines & Spirits Asia 2011.

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• • 91

  Dartigalongue XO Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  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.

  After tasting three expressions of quite disparate age, to generalise, the house style is fine, elegant and drier than most other Armagnacs we've encountered.

  Tasting note: Bright brass copper appearance; issues seductive aromas of creme caramel, vanilla custard and toffee, with the candied phase gradually displaced by dried fruits after aeration. A soft, supple entry carries through to a mid weighted and elegant profile of light prune, nougat and cedary oak followed by hints of cigar box towards the finish, ending dry and nicely balanced. 40% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... Rated 'Superb' score 90-95 (www.winemag.com)
  Score '93' Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011.
  4 star 'Best Buy' Spirit Journal.
  Score '94' Wine Enthusiast.

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• 1970 Dartigalongue 47 Year Old Armagnac (500ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Another vintage of the Dartigalongue 1970 harvest lands, this time aged for close to five decades!
  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. 40% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... ‘Gold’ Best French Spirits, Hong-Kong 2014.

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• • 90

  Dartigalongue Cuvee Louis Philippe Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 42%

  A special blend of Armagnac over 35 years old created to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the house. Blending Bas-Armagnac from the 1974 & 1976 vintages (70%-30%), grapes used are Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc and Baco. It opens with mild shellac and woody notes. 3-4 minutes of air contact releases nut and raisin cake. After seven minutes, dark chocolate, manuka honey and toasted almonds are suggested but the nose remains frustratingly shy. Broad and rich in the mouth with a flash of mid-palate sweetness in the form of cocoa, nougat and roasted nuts, a rush of oak closes the finish. We tasted 15ml; expect it to show better from a full bottle after ample air contact. 42% Alc./Vol.

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• • 93

  1989 Dartigalongue 24 Year Old Armagnac (500ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  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.

  After tasting three expressions of quite disparate age, to generalise, the house style is fine, elegant and drier than most other Armagnacs we've encountered.

  Tasting note: Deep polished copper colour. Amid the opening scents of creme caramel and raisin cake are flashes of balsamic with hints of poached pear and dilute maple syrup in the later stages. A rich, buttery entry develops into a semi sweet, mid weighted profile of vanilla, cocoa and dilute maple syrup followed by a gently spicy, dried fruit burst (think Christmas fruit mince pie). Great balance, fading long with hints of rancio and marzipan. Value buy. 40% Alc./Vol.

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• 1975 Dartigalongue 38 Year Old Armagnac (500ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  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.

  After tasting three expressions of quite disparate age, to generalise, the house style is fine, elegant and drier than most other Armagnacs we've encountered.

  No tasting notes available...

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• • 91

  1979 Delord Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $169. 99

  Bottle

  $2039.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Situated in Bas-Armagnac, Delord's distillery is to be found in the village of Lannepax, the ancestral home of the Delord family. They comment, "Our old Sier Armagnac alambics, that we wouldn't part with for all the gold in the world, produce less than 30 litres of eau-de-vie an hour. Our cellars contain our old treasured vintages and include more than 700 oak barrels that protect and age the Armagnac eau-de-vie dating from the 20th Century to the present day". This expression was made from Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Baco and Colombard harvested, pressed and vinified separately.

  Tasting note: Polished topaz dazzles in the glass. Opening phase releases varnish, wood shavings, black olives and balsamic-like aromas. Second pass ups the fruity aspect as dates, raisins, a little Christmas cake and cinnamon compete with the encroaching oak. Silky and super pure with a flurry of spices dovetailing into a fruity finish. Dates, leather, cinnamon. Near zero burn. Quite polished. Very typical and very moreish. 40% Alc./vol.

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• • 89

  1984 Delord Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $160. 00

  Bottle

  $1920.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Produced from Ugni blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard and Baco 22 A grapes. Lovely gold ochre / bright copper appearance. Muted opening sniff yields subtle notes of nougat and sweet spice. Further aeration stimulates candied orange peel, vanilla and hints of maple syrup. Soft, round entry follows through in a medium bodied profile offering suggestions of light toffee, dried fruits and white pepper towards the finish. Ends dry, oaky, short. 40% Alc./Vol.

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• 1966 Delord Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $350. 00

  Bottle

  $4200.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Produced from Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard and Baco, this wonderful vintage dated Armagnac will make an ideal gift for someone born in 1966. 40% Alc./Vol.

  Situated in Bas-Armagnac, Delord's distillery is located in the village of Lannepax, the ancestral home of the Delords. They are naturally proud of their long family tradition, commenting, "Our old Sier Armagnac alambics, that we wouldn't part with for all the gold in the world, produce less than 30 litres of eau-de-vie an hour. Our cellars contain our old treasured vintages and include more than 700 oak barrels that protect and age the Armagnac eau-de-vie dating from the 20th Century to the present day".

  No tasting notes available.

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• 1968 Delord Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $330. 00

  Bottle

  $3960.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  A ’68 Armagnac at a great price for a 50+ year old spirit. Extremely limited.

  Situated in Bas-Armagnac, Delord's distillery is to be found in the village of Lannepax, the ancestral home of the Delord family. They comment, "Our old Sier Armagnac alambics, that we wouldn't part with for all the gold in the world, produce less than 30 litres of eau-de-vie an hour. Our cellars contain our old treasured vintages and include more than 700 oak barrels that protect and age the Armagnac eau-de-vie dating from the 20th Century to the present day". The exceptionally old expression was made from Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Baco and Colombard harvested, pressed and vinified separately. 40% Alc./Vol.

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• • 93

  1964 Delord Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $380. 00

  Bottle

  $4560.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Slightly pale burnished copper colour. First inhalations find butterscotch, cheesecake then fruit’n'nut chocolate. A rich, soft delivery features flavours of fruity pipe tobacco, caramel, rancio and delightful hints of grape at the finish, closing perfectly balanced and ending gently tannic with cocoa, sweet spices and light toffee into the lengthy fade. 40% Alc./Vol.

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• • 91

  1989 Domaine de La Coste Lacourtoisie Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $190. 00

  Bottle

  $2280.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 42%

  Armagnac from the Bas region is considered to have the most finesse, also tending to yield spirits that are very supple in their youth. Plantings are mostly Bacco and Ugni Blanc. The Northwestern portion of the Bas-Armagnac (known casually as the Grand Bas Armagnac) has a concentration of quality producers, especially in the department of Les Landes.

  Tasting note: Deep polished copper colour. A powerful bouquet issues a burst of vanilla to open underscored by traces of furniture polish. Second phase finds orange cake over hints of potpourri. Third pass is heavier and more typical in its fresh fruit cake lift. Nice complexity. Very delicate entry develops into an exceptionally soft textured, light to mid-weight Armagnac delivering pleasant dried fruit, mocha and vanilla flavours with a mild warmth. Slightly tannic on the finish, drying with good length as more mocha and sweet spices trail off into the fade. Armagnac for Cognac drinkers. 42% Alc./Vol.

  
  

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• • 91

  1983 Domaine de La Coste Lacourtoisie Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $270. 00

  Bottle

  $3240.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Tasting note: Made from 100% Baco grapes. Once beyond the varnishy / resiny / sappy opening sniffs this yields delightful aromas of roasted nuts, dates, vanilla, pepper and sweet oak. A surprisingly soft, medium bodied Armagnac framed by fine astringency, unfolding with flavours of oak shavings, prunes, raisins and orange zest and near zero burn. Finish is oaky, moderately tannic with threads of vanilla and dates through the aftertaste. 40% Alc./Vol.

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• 1986 Francis Darroze Domaine Au Durré Grand Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 49.2%

  Darroze's "Unique Collection" presents Bas Armagnacs of intense character, coming from single estates and single vintages.

  This edition was distilled in 1986 exclusively from Baco grapes followed by a 29 year maturation in oak. Bottled in 2015 at an unusually high ABV of 49.2% A rare treat for brandy lovers.

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• 1976 Francis Darroze Domaine de Jaulin Grand Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $290. 00

  Bottle

  $3480.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 41.5%

  Darroze's "Unique Collection" presents Bas Armagnacs of intense character, coming from single estates and single vintages. This edition was produced from Ugni blanc and Baco 22 A grapes and distilled in 1976 followed by 39 years in oak. It was finally bottled in December 2015 at 41.5% Alc/Vol. Very reasonably priced for a wood aged spirit of this pedigree.

  Notes from the producers... Nice amber colour, with darker tints. Very fine and complex nose with some fruits flavours (fig, apricot, prune), spices (cinnamon, liquorice). On the palate, very rich attack. Very high quality tannins, fine and silky. Matured fruits and spices aromas. Very long on the palate.

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• 1974 Francois Darroze Domaine de Lamarquette Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 45%

  Bottled in 2014, the 1974 Domaine Lamarquette is a true 40 year old expression in its anniversary year, and a must for Brandy purists.

  Francois and Marc Darroze are the watchful and patient custodians of 250 different Armagnacs, including more than 50 vintages (spanning a century), sourced from over 30 properties in the small, western portion of the Bas-Armagnac region, historically referred to as Grand Bas-Armagnac. Little surprise then that uber critic Robert Parker named Marc’s father, Francois, “the Pope of Armagnac”.

  The Armagnacs of Francois Darroze are an exercise in the pure art of distillation and elevage with their vintage bottlings, or “Unique Series” presenting unadulterated, single estate, single barrel expressions from some of the world’s greatest Brandy terroirs.

  Grapes are harvested in October, with fermentation allowed to occur naturally, without cultured yeasts or other additives. Distillation holds to the oldest traditions of Gascogne; continuous distillation at the individual Domaines through a mobile Alambic to 53% ABV. All distillation is completed before the end of February.

  Elevage takes place in traditional Monlezum (the “black Oak” from the Landes of Gascony) Oak pieces of 400 litre capacity. Brandies spend around 10 to 12 Years in new wood before being transferred to older oak for the remainder of their maturation. The aeration inherent in this transfer is crucial to the maturation process, as Darroze Armagnacs are bottled pure and at natural cask strength - no water, no sugar syrup, no boise (an oak additive), no caramel.

  The 1974 Domaine Lamarquette Grand Bas Armagnac from Francois Darroze is distilled from 100% Baco, something that has become a specialty of Darroze in a landscape where Baco has given way to earlier maturing, softer brandies of Foille Blanche, Ugni Blanc and Colombard. Marc Darroze states “The Baco takes a predominant position, particularly in the Bas-Armagnac. It contributes to the structure of our alcohols and gives full, rich and weighty aromas that require a long ageing in order to express all their roundness, full mellow flavours and length in the mouth…. this variety [along with Folle Blanche] is part of the cultural heritage of Armagnac.”

  No tasting notes available.

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• • 94

  Gelas Fayau-Cadillac Finish 7 Year Old Single Cask Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 49.3%

  A fascinating Armagnac finished in sweet white wine casks sourced from Chateau Fayau. The vineyard is situated in Cadillac, a lesser known appellation across the Garonne River from Sauternes. The wine is like Sauternes in every way except title: only hand selected botrytis-affected Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc grapes are picked resulting in a luscious golden nectar.

  Tasting note: Bright amber / deep gold with good bead. Quite some liquid-to-liquid pick up with apricot tart, honey and peach evident. Air contact adds hints of dates, vanilla bean and rock lolly. Still later the focus returns to apricot tart. Rich and rounded with the bold brandy notes followed by a sugar coated succulence. The Armagnac shines through the finish as dates, cocoa and cigar box in the aftertaste. Nice body and balance. 49.3% Alc./Vol. 550 bottles.

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• • 94

  Janneau Tres Vieille Reserve 25 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $220. 00

  Bottle

  $2640.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Yet another offer from Janneau that's likely to incite equal degrees of temptation and anticipation. This time it opens a door for many subscribers to access super-aged spirits usually associated with high rollers, cigar aficionados and otherwise certified brandy hedonists. Rumour has it that these Armagnacs are no longer part of this brand's core range, hence the clearance.

  Different from the younger Janneau expressions, the heavier input of Gascon oak is counterpointed by dense dried fruit characteristics and wrapped up in softer textures - in short, these approach an almost seamless spirit/wood/fruit balance. Extraordinary presentation on both bottlings means whether you decide to enjoy these yourself or secure some for gifting later in the year, you can't lose. .

  Presented in a handsome, hand-blown-style bottle with a wire tied cork and wax embossment. Elements of this unusual bottling have been matured for up to 35 years. 

  Tasting note: The impressive deep sienna brown / polished mahogany colour is partly due to the addition of caramel. After pouring from a fresh bottle, a varnish / shellac aroma takes a minute to blow off, giving way to a dense medley of fruit cake, heavy brandy cream and vanilla which is almost maple syrup like, while distinct mocha overtones emerge alongside dried fruits (fig and apricot). The palate is concentrated with a wonderfully plush, round texture that fills every corner of the mouth. Excellent depth and balance. Medium dry orange cake, date and marzipan flavours finish with a juicy burst, before fading long with chewy tannins, fruit bread and sweet spices in the aftertaste. Generously proportioned Armagnac that's equally soft and accessible. 40% Alc./Vol.

  

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• Janneau XO Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $125. 00

  Bottle

  $1500.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  
  Armagnac is the oldest brandy made in France. Recognised in the Middle-Ages for its therapeutic properties, Armagnac came into its own in the 15th century, growing to become a truly commercial product. The vines of Armagnac were destroyed by phylloxera in the 1870's but were re planted at the beginning of the 20th century. Trading in Armagnac reached its peak in the 19th century. It was in 1909 that a decree, issued under the presidency of a local boy, President Fallières, delimited the region permitted to produce this brandy. The decree of August 6th, 1936 defines the Armagnac Appellation Contrôlée and its three regions.

  At Janneau, the oldest of the great Armagnac houses, Armagnac is blended from spirit distilled in two different ways: "Armagnacais" >(single, continuous distillation) and "Double Distillation" which involves pot stills. In Double Distillation, wine flows from the vat to the first still acting as the cooling agent and allowing the vapours to condense. This first product is called "brouillis" and is distilled again, however the liquid at the very beginning and end of the process (called the "head & tail") is left out as it contains some impurities. Only the heart – that part which achieves the desired quality – is kept. The freshly distilled Armagnac is clear, decidedly fruity with occasional plum, green apple and vanilla notes.

  Grand Armagnac Janneau is distilled from white wines made from grapes gathered exclusively in the delimited region of Armagnac in the heart of Gascony and is aged in casks of Gascon oak. The different characterstics of white wines emanating from grapes grown on sandy soil and those from clay and chalk, aswell as two methods of distillation result in Janneau’s marrying finnesse and softness with fruit and character. The X.O. Royal is supervised and sampled throughout its twelve years of aging to ensure a final blend which is both subtle and full of charm. 40% alc./vol

  

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• Janneau VS Tradition Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $74. 99

  Bottle

  $899.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 40%

  As Burgundy is to Bordeaux, so Armagnac is to Cognac. Janneau V.S. – “Very Superior” – is the youngest and therefore lowest grading for cognac and Armagnac.

  Matured in Gascon oak, the nose displays distinctive vanillin oak. Young and light in colour, but possessing great complexity on the palate and a distinctive earthy character. Warm spirit finish. 40% alc/vol.

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• 1972 Janneau Vintage Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 43%

  Armagnac is the oldest brandy made in France and Janneau is the oldest of the great Armagnac houses, founded in 1851 in Condom, France by Pierre Etienne Janneau.

  Janneau’s Vintage Armagnac is a pure expression of a single vintage year. Distilled once from white wines made from grapes gathered exclusively in the delimited region of Armagnac in the heart of Gascony, the product is then aged from twelve years up to a maximum of fifty years in Limousin oak barrels. Since 1851 the Janneau Family has handed down this age old method of production from father to son. The House draws upon all its skill and experience when selecting its single vintage Armagnacs. This Armagnac has reached the very highest quality requirements to merit its release as a vintage under the Janneau seal. 43% alc./vol.

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• Janneau VSOP Grand Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  As Burgundy is to Bordeaux, so Armagnac is to Cognac. White wines from the best crus of the Armagnac region were chosen for the creation of Janneau “Very Superior Old Pale” -V.S.O.P.– a grading designated for material between 10 – 15 years old. Significantly darker in colour than its younger counterpart, the nose is extremely aromatic with scents of aged oak and some floral characteristics. The “masculine” and full bodied palate finishes wonderfully dry making Janneau an ideal aperitif.

  

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• • 93

  Janneau Pyramid 15 Year Old Extra Grand Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 42%

  Different from the younger Janneau expressions, the this release has a heavier input of Gascon oak is counterpointed by dense dried fruit characteristics and wrapped up in softer textures - in short, these approach an almost seamless spirit/wood/fruit balance. Extraordinary presentation on both bottlings means whether you decide to enjoy these yourself or secure some for gifting later in the year, you can't lose.

  The stunning presentation of this limited release bottling includes a 'pyramid' style decanter with old style metal 'bottle ticket' replacing a paper label.  Inside the bottle is aged material of 15+ years.  Packaged in a white cylinder with red tassel.

  Tasting note: Burnished copper colour with minor sediment floating in the glass (caramel has been added). A moderate shellac top note is followed by spicy cigar box and dried fruit aromas, the latter accentuating as dates, fig, spicy raisin, vanilla and honey with aeration. Medium dry, the palate continues the fruit cake like flavours with a spicy, gently warming spirit. There’s a pleasant lightness to this Armagnac; It finishes delicate and medium dry with subtle dried fig, spice and liquorice bullet flavours persisting into the aftertaste. It needs plenty of time to draw out its virtues which are initially held in check by the oak. 42% Alc./Vol.

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• • 94

  Janneau Napoleon Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 40%

  Tasting note: A blend of Ugni Blanc, Bacco and Folle Blanche Armagnacs made from Bas Armagnac and Tenarèze wines aged mostly in Limousin oak casks. Bright polished copper. A wonderful bouquet features lifted aromas of sweet oak followed by rich, weighty scents of marzipan, cherry tobacco, raisin bread and new leather. There’s classic Armagnac concentration but the delivery is contemporary and accessible - soft, round and supple, conjuring flavours of prune, cocoa and honey - sweet, but not overly so - and balanced to finish dry with late suggestions of almonds, leather and dates in the aftertaste. The length is good. The balance is impeccable. The price is a no brainer. An early contender for the best spirits buy of 2014. Be quick. 40% Alc./Vol.

  More about this house...Janneau was founded in 1851 by Pierre Etienne Janneau and is one of the oldest distilleries in the appellation. It was passed through four generations until the giant cognac company, Martell, purchased the family property in the early 1970s. Martell made significant investments in new equipment and expanded the maison's capacity to become one of the most important production plants and storage facilities in the region. In 1993, the Giovinettis bought Janneau with the intention of returning the house to its original status as a family-run business. Paying meticulous attention to detail and quality, Janneau is also distinguished from other producers by using two types of distillation: both continuous and double. It remains under the management of Fabio Giovinetti.

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• • Nick's Import

  Selectionne par Lafite Rothschild Vieille Reserve Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $1999. 00

  Bottle

  $23988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 43%

  A second, though equally precious release from the cellars of Lafite Rothschild is this venerable Bas Armagnac, produced from 70% Baco and 30% Ugni Blanc and composed of material aged between thirty and forty-two years. Like the Tres Vieille Reserve Cognac, the Vieille Reserve Armagnac has been part of a way of life at Rothschilds for decades where it's a family tradition to serve the finest spirits to friends and relations. More recently Lafite were cajoled into making these spirits available outside of close family circles. 

  Working with a small number of vignerons and distillers and with advice from Armagnac specialists, the Lafite team select well-aged "pieces" (casks in Armagnac) classified among the finest the appellation has to offer. The idea is simply to express "the best for Lafite". Style, continuity and a desire to do things slightly differently result in a blend from multiple harvests.  The current composition was sourced from the Darroze family's stocks. They remain the watchful and patient custodians of 250 Armagnacs, including more than 50 vintages spanning a century, most sourced from the western portion of the Bas-Armagnac region. The family is highly respected on their home ground and abroad (uber wine critic, Robert Parker named Francois Darroze,“the Pope of Armagnac”). Together with son Marc, they continue to roam the best estates and terroirs in search of the most distinctive brandies. Arriving with Lafite's seal of approval in a handsome oak box and wax-sealed antique bottle, this is guaranteed to be one the most impressive examples money can buy. Very limited stocks. 43% Alc./Vol.

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• • 92

  1979 Loujan Bas Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $240. 00

  Bottle

  $2880.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 41%

  Tasting note: Impressive polished mahogany appearance. Opens with varnish and nut chocolate before developing muted notes of vanilla and dates. Medium dry woody entry follows through to a subtle marzipan / liquorice bullet mid palate with a delightful white pepper overlay. Finish is gently tannic, woody with hints of marzipan and vanilla in the fade while the pepperiness persists. 41% Alc./Vol.

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• Sempe Vintage 1986 Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac,

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

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  The Sempé family can be traced back to the 14th century - the name evolved from the French "St. Pierre", bearer of the Keys to Heaven, which is the crest of the family. The name and the keys are registered and kept at the French National Library.

  The families Armagnac enterprise was founded originally in 1936 by then sixteen-year-old Henri-Abel Sempé, the firm today operates under the new ownership of Jean Pierre-Thenon and continues to produce the highest quality brandies, exporting them worldwide.

  Sempé is privelidged to maintain one of the most famous and extensive collections of Vintage Armagnacs dating back to 1904. While each Vintage Armagnac has its own bouquet, aroma and character, they generally possess extraordinary smoothness with intense flavours of wood and dried fruit. They are generally a fine amber color, or amber-brown where extended aging in oak imparts a darker color and pleasant floral notes on the nose.
  Stocks of the 1986 vintage are extremely limited.

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• Sempe VSOP Vieil Armagnac (700ml)

  Armagnac, FRANCE

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 40%

  Sempe, one of the leading producers of premium Armagnac, is sitiuated in Aignan, a village in the heart of Armagnac. The Sempé family can be traced back to the 14th century - the name evolved from the French 'St. Pierre', bearer of the Keys to Heaven, which is the crest of the family. The name and the keys are registered and kept at the French National Library. The families Armagnac enterprise was founded originally in 1936 by the then sixteen-year-old Henri-Abel Sempé, the firm today operates under the new ownership of Jean Pierre-Thenon and continues to produce the highest quality brandies, exporting them worldwide.

  Sempe V.S.O.P. is produced from a single distillation of white wine (A blend of Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc and other regional grape varieties from the Bas-Armagnac and Ténarèze regions) in a typical alambic copper-still. As soon as it emerges from the still, the Armagnac is put into oak casks, known as 'Armagnac pièces' for a minimum of six years (50% longer than is required by French law). Most of the oak timber which is used comes from the Armagnac forest. The resulting spirit possesses astonishingly smooth and fragrant character that has won it the title of the 'velvet flame.' An excellent digestif, Sempé V.S.O.P. will also complement apple and almond desserts, flourless chocolate cakes or coffee after a meal. 40% Alc./Vol.

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