Domaine de Baraillon 1923

Tasting note

Nose

A hugely fruity character, but in the form of potpourri. The sultanas are also well present, but what finesse after such a long time in the barrel. Scents that we don't really know in the present day. Hints of bitter (angelica root) and vanilla pods, but not those sweet ones. Moist earth and more mossy notes, hint of menthol and the smell of copper wire. All nicely in harmony.

Taste

Subtle sweetness with a hint of honey. Like chatting with a beekeeper, the honey is really in the background. Fruit also makes itself clearly heard and rancio should definitely be mentioned. In addition to the honey, maple syrup and sweet tea. As we taste on, wild peach and apricot also emerge in the tasting notes. But all perfectly balanced. No one flavour dominates.

Finish

Tiramisu is what is mentioned. Cocoa powder on delicious marsala-soaked long fingers.

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.