Domaine de Baraillon 1980

Tasting note

Nose

Lavender, roses and violets are the first names mentioned, dried fruits like plums and grapes provide a wonderful base and this is assisted by a sultry spiciness coming from the wood. Did we mention nutmeg, creamy caramel and vanilla pods? Those are all smelled in this topper too.

Taste

Sultanas coated in creamy milk chocolate and sweet dates. Cherry chocolates, cinnamon, toasted walnuts, currants, puffed chestnuts, and aged wine. Hint of vanilla to finish. 

Finish

Layered and deliciously sweet with a subtle wine note on the palate.

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.