Domaine de Baraillon 1972

Taste note

Nose

50 years of wood aging is clearly reflected in our tasting glass. Lots of wood aromas and lots of dark sweet fruit. Think sweet grapes, cherries and plums. In addition, vanilla and caramel and something we were also hoping for; rancio. The ripe spicy aroma makes this armagnac a feast for the nose.

Taste

Sweet at first, but later drying on the palate. Antique wax and orange marmalade, again the rancio and wood influences adding character. Full-bodied rich flavour that impressed our tasting panel a lot.

Finish

The finish is long and a nice summary of what we smelled and tasted. Thick in wood and nicely ripened fruit.

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.