Domaine de Baraillon 1988

Tasting note

Nose

A little closed at first, but if you give this Armagnac some time, it opens up wonderfully. The wood aromas are the base, but on top of that notes of grape pulp, brown sugar and a small hint of mint. Warm chocolate with cherries.

Taste

This is a thick Armagnac, meaty and spicy. A firm savoury flavour, nutmeg and bay leaf. The second sip reveals the grapes. A pleasant light sweetness, but mostly the mature character of the flavour brings a smile to the mouth. 

Finish

Is it crazy to mention cherry pie with chocolate? Once you think of it, you won't taste anything else.

The distillery

The Domaine de Baraillon is located just outside Lannemaignan in the Bas-Armagnac. The pretty little estate is surrounded by sunflower, maize and wheat fields and, of course, vineyards. Driving past the Domaine, you wouldn't even know that Armagnac is produced here, were it not for a large barrel on the side of the road with their name written on it. 

Claverie's Armagnacs are a combination of two properties: 4 hectares owned by Patriach Paul's sister in Le Freche and 12 hectares around his house. All vineyards are full of the three major grape varieties, Baco, Colombard and Ugni Blanc. Until 2012 they used the Loubere distillery in Labastide d'Armagnac, but in 2012 they bought their own stills in which they now turn their wines into spirits. The fresh eau de vie normally goes into 5,000-litre casks before being transferred to smaller barrels. Both new and old barrels are used for this purpose. The barrels are regularly aerated to promote oxidation. The oldest stocks date back to the late 19th century and it occasionally seems as if time has stood still at Domaine de Baraillon. Tradition and quality are therefore highly valued by the family.

What others say about it

On WhiskyFun.com, this Armagnac received 87 points from Serge Valentin.

Read Serge Valentin's tasting note here.