Domaine de Baraillon 2004

Tasting note

Nose

The nose is filled with strong aromas of plums, dates toffee, maple syrup and allspice. The wood aromas are a little more in the background, but provide an elegant base.

Taste

Intense with toasted hazelnuts, wine gums, sultanas and mild spiciness from the wood. On the second sip, dates, fig bread and even some strong spiciness emerge. This almost calls for a toast of blue-veined cheese.

Finish

Medium-length with a slight pepperiness. Dried plums and apricots are combined with creamy caramel and a hint of nutmeg.

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

Serge Valentin gives this Armagnac 89/100 points on his website www.WhiskyFun.com

Read his tasting notes here.